Downtown newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

ENDNOTE: VOTE YES BIRMINGHAM BOND / YES BLOOMFIELD SAD

AUGUST 2019

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Blocks from Downtown | $895,000 Catalpa Drive, Birmingham

Newer Build Contemporary | $859,000 Cole Street, Birmingham

Neighborhood Living | $1,429,000 Covington Road, Bloomfield Village

Entertainer’s Dream Home | $2,900,000 Falmouth Drive, Bloomfield Hills

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Recently Updated Colonial | $475,000 Hunt Club Drive, Bloomfield Hills

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DOWNTOWN08.19

26

The downside of video gaming for players A major contention and concern about video gaming for researchers and scientists is that it can affect and permanently change areas of the brain, as well as cause a small percentage of players to become so obsessed or addicted to gaming that they cease to be functional in other areas of their lives.

LONGFORM

39

Now in it's fourth year of operation, has the Great Lakes Water Authority met the goals envisioned for the regional entity that provides water to 3.9 million residents and wastewater services to 87 communities?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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A bipartisan package of bills calling for financial disclosure by state officeholders and candidates has been reintroduced in the Michigan House but the fate of this effort will not face a friendly office in the state Senate.

CRIME LOCATOR

19

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

21

Gary Peters/John James race for the money; Barnett tours migrant camp; Ferndale's Coulter eyes state office; inside the county board staff; Congresswoman Slotkin's funding haul; plus more.

MUNICIPAL

51

Two election complaints filed, one dismissed; Soul Cycle coming to Bloomfield; Bloomfield Hills donation policy; ground lease review for possible RH site; library project contract; plus more.

THE COVER Cover design: Chris Grammer

At T e N t I o N

BlOoMfIeLd ToWnShIp ReSiDeNtS

VoTe YeS tO PrOtEcT oUr PoLiCe aNd FiRe The Township has a structural deficit caused by a 2017 change in state law. The change requires higher payments for Defined Benefit pension plans and Other Post-Employment Benefits. This change will require future payments of $4 to $6 million per year for the next fifteen years.

What Bloomfield Township has Already Done to Cut Costs.

• The Township has 23 fewer employees today than in 2008 (average T of $1.9 million per year). savings • The Township had a 5-year freeze on employee salaries during the T recession.

• In 2005 the Township ended the Defined Benefit pension plan, and moved to a Defined Contribution plan, which is similar to a 401K plan.

• In 2011 the Township closed the retiree health care plan for all new hires.

• In 2010 the Township switched its healthcare plan for all employees to a high deductible plan.

• Longevity pay was ended for all new hires in 2011.

• Continual review of each department conducted to find ways to cut costs and maintain quality service.

Without a millage increase, deep cuts will need to be made to public safety, roads, animal welfare, and other areas of the budget to meet these new state-mandated funding levels. The public safety budgets are the largest budgets in the Township. Two-thirds of all Township employees and retirees are from Public Safety.

If this ballot proposal is approved, the existing voted general millage of 1.25 mills, set to expire at the end of 2019, will not be levied, collected, or renewed by the Township. This public safety millage is a net increase of 1.05 mills.

The average Bloomfield household will pay $219 more per year to protect Township police, fire, and dispatch

VoTe YeS On TuEsDaY AuGuSt 6 PrOtEcT OuR OuR PoLiCe PoLiCe AnD PrOtEcT AnDFiRe FiRe Paid for by Committee to Protect Our Police and Fire, 3883 S. Miller Way, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

Paid for by Committee to Protect Our Police and Fire, 3883 S. Miller Way, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301

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Jaime Ray Newman

METRO INTELLIGENCER

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Writer/reporter Dana Casadei helps us provide quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro Detroit area.

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK

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Society Notebook reporter Gigi Nichols provides the latest news and snapshots from the society and non-profit circuit fundraising events.

ENDNOTE

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We present once again our strong support for the critical ballot issues facing voters on August 6 in both Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, urging voters to approve both issues.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER or over 40 years I have watched a number of efforts in the Michigan legislature to require transparency for state lawmakers, so I don't hold out a great deal of hope for the bills introduced in late May of this year that would require financial disclosure for state House and Senate members, along with members of the administration, the state judiciary, university governing boards and the state board of education.

As noted in this space on more than one occasion, Michigan has one of the worst reputations – in multiple comparative studies – relative to transparency in government at the state level. As far as disclosure of personal financial information, Michigan is one of only two states without such regulations – the other being Idaho, which has a part-time legislature. That pretty much says it all in terms of where we should be headed on government transparency.

I hope I am wrong but the eight-bill package's key sponsor – Rep. David LaGrand (D-Grand Rapids) – promoted essentially the same proposals in the last session during which there was no movement on the legislation. This year's reiteration would provide what seems as reasonable financial disclosure for state-level officials.

I took time to touch base with local state Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills), a co-sponsor of the disclosure package, to get her take on LaGrand's legislative proposals and the likelihood that they would actually move in this session. From her vantage point, there is an “appetite on both sides of the aisle in the House” for increased transparency.

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Ironically, the early efforts to provide for transparency either predate a number of lawmakers who now populate Michigan's capitol or took place when they were too young to follow, let alone understand, government.

The push for government reform harkens all the way back to the 1960's, when the general population's trust in government began to seriously deteriorate due to lack of federal government transparency and honesty exhibited during the Vietnam War, accentuated further by the Watergate controversy during the Nixon administration.

So that was a period marked by the push for campaign finance reform to bring private money in politics under control (a battle still underway), calls for increased transparency through financial disclosure and government reform to protect civil liberties that were under serious threat at the time. From a sociological standpoint, that was the start of the serious decline of trust in government leaders – at all levels – a trend that seems to have continued to the present day.

I can remember advocating in editorial opinion pages for financial disclosure policy in the late 70's and early 80's, only to be rebuffed by those in office, many of whom I knew on a personal basis then.

Rep. LaGrand's package of bills mandate financial disclosure to those holding, and those seeking as candidates, the offices of senator, representative, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, and members of the state judiciary, starting with the state supreme court and reaching down to the circuit court level, along with the state board of education and university boards. Disclosure information would also be required for immediate family members.

The proposed requirements are certainly not that onerous, despite what some would have you believe. The holders of office outlined above and candidates seeking these posts would have to disclose with the state any income sources that generate more than $5,000 in a year; property beyond the primary residence valued at over $50,000; and stocks worth $10,00 or more in value. At no point do the disclosure requirements force divulging of total annual income, which seems like a reasonable approach.

Although separate legislation has just been introduced, again, to regulate voting in the legislature when conflicts of interest are likely, as presently structured, House guidelines allow a member to abstain from a vote when there is a conflict but do not require a representative to refrain from voting. In the Senate, rules prohibit a member from voting when there is a direct personal interest and potential financial gain. But without disclosure, there is no system or means of monitoring whether members are possibly self-enriching when voting on issues.

Manoogian said she has a “suspicion” that there is some support in the Senate – but many think the road in the Senate could be tougher to navigate, not surprising since Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) has been quoted on a number of occasions as saying disclosure regulations are not needed, would discourage people from seeking office, and would only be of value to members of the media that seek more information to mine.

In terms of timing, Manoogian said the start of the new session has been dominated by auto insurance reform and now budget negotiations, but she sees possible movement this fall or winter on the financial reform package which she labels a “good first step” while conceding, “there is much more we can do.”

Although I continue to grapple with the issue, I happen to think if disclosure regulations can be set into law at the state level, then it makes sense to consider whether something similar should be enacted for the local level – something effective but not completely invasive and off-putting for those who want to be involved locally.

I understand the concern about discouraging residents from being involved at the local level – many times unpaid – but I will leave you with one personal experience that helps illustrate my concerns at the local level, where the vast majority of officials exhibit and demonstrate their integrity on a regular basis.

Decades ago when the federal government halted the continued development of M275 into the resource-rich west Oakland lakes area for environmental reasons, there was a concerted effort by local officials and the office of then-county executive Dan Murphy to push for extension of the highway through that geographical area.

Murphy had one of his deputy executives spearhead the county's involvement.

Coincidentally, around the same time, I thought it made sense to assign a couple of reporters to follow the path of the proposed highway extension and record land ownership along the route, an exercise that might help us understand the motivation of those outside of government who were part of a growing legion pushing for the highway extension. It was a tedious, challenging chore, particularly if companies and partnerships owned parcels of land, forcing us to take our search a bit deeper.

When the assignment was completed, we discovered that the deputy county executive heading up the county push for the highway extension was part of a partnership that owned a parcel of land in the path of the possible extension.

Need I say more about the need for increased transparency?

A study released in 2018 by the Center for Public integrity – looking at 50,000 pages of legislative records over a several-year period – showed a half dozen instances when Michigan lawmakers voted for bills that well could have proven of benefit to themselves or family members.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei Kevin Elliott | Austen Hohendorf | Gigi Nichols Bill Seklar | Judith Harris Solomon PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Esme McClear | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through July 18, 2019.

Placement of codes is approximate.

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates each month via email.

PLAYING FOOTSIE: Rumors are running rampant following this year’s Mackinac Conference, where lots of offside conversation was on the health of L. Brooks Patterson, and speculation of what could, or would, happen if he is not able to complete his term. Is it true that current Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) has struck a deal with former board chair Mike Gingell (R-Lake Angelus, Lake Orion), for both of them to step down from the board if and when it appears Patterson is declining, in order to maintain a Democrat majority on the board (it’s currently 11-10 in favor of the Dems)? In order to be appointed executive by the board of commissioners, which must make the appointment within 30 days if there is a death or a special election would have to be called by state law, a current commissioner can’t be appointed. Woodward is seeking to WOODWARD be appointed executive, and in exchange, his alleged deal with Gingell is he would become Woodward’s chief deputy. While we didn’t hear an actual denial from Woodward, he acknowledged there was “a lot of chatter on Mackinac, but my focus is on government, everything else is a distraction...We’ve got to be respectful during this difficult time.” Gingell denied claims of an agreement with Woodward that would land him a deputy executive position. “There’s no truth in me being interested in having a job in the county,” he said. “I have a job in the private sector, and it’s a good job.” Word is Gingell is GINGELL encouraging Republicans to support Woodward, including at a recent GOP gathering. Gingell said his preference is for Brooks to serve out his term, but noted that if there is a vacancy, with Woodward and county treasurer Andy Meisner’s names being bandied about, he believes Woodward would best preserve Oakland County and the policies put in place by Patterson – a statement he confirmed saying at the recent Oakland County GOP meeting. “If I had to pick, I would pick Dave.” But some longtime Republicans aren’t biting, with one stating, “I don’t feel there will be much support for Woodward. We’re not pleased with his leadership and pushing social issues and causes down our throats.” Stay tuned.

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N E W Z E A L A N D • AU ST R A L I A • F I J I • TA H I T I

OVER & OUT: Former state Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham) has made it official, filing on June 24 to run for county commission for the12th District, which Shelley Goodman Taub (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) has represented since January 2009. Taub confirmed she’s “done with the county seat,” having always said she would “go out when Brooks (Patterson, Oakland County Executive) does.”

Patterson has announced he will not run for re-election in 2020 as he is battling pancreatic cancer. Taub also inferred that changes in the county board – which became majority Democrat for the first time in 42 years this year, has lead to a “lack of leadership” on the board. Moss, who lost to Taub in the primary in 2016, in announcing his campaign, said he is running because “No matter who (is) the county exec (sic), Oakland has to ensure the good government and financial practices that’s MOSS made Oakland number one. I can do that and that’s why I’m running.” In his third term representing the House 40th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills), Moss chaired the powerful appropriations committee. A Democratic challenger (or perhaps a GOP primary opponent) has yet to be heard from.

We’re sure that’s only a matter of time.

LOADS OF DOUGH: Local politicians who have flipped districts from red to blue are keeping their fundraising streaks going strong. Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (DRochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland, parts of Livingston and Ingham counties) reported she raised over $730,000 in the second fiscal quarter of 2019 – and over $1.3 million since she launched her re-election campaign, with $1 million cash-on-hand. As in her first go at the rodeo, Slotkin has forsworn accepting money from corporate political action committees (PACs). Of this quarter’s report, 84 percent came from individual donations of $100 or less, her campaign announced. “I’m so proud of the outpouring of grassroots support we have seen since launching the re-election campaign, and that we are running this campaign without a single dollar from corporate PACs,” Slotkin said in a release, asserting she’s supported by Democrats, Republicans and Independents in the 8th District. While there are rumblings of potential Republican challengers – including former Rep. Mike Bishop, who she beat, and Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, no one has yet come forward to take her on in 2020.

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Shop the Four Corners of the World... at the Best Corner in Town WAR OF THE BUCKS: Big dollars aren’t just flying in congressional races. The race between U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Township) and Republican challenger John James is racking up some serious coin, with Peters notching a $2.4 million haul in this last fundraising quarter, April 1 through June 30. Peters, who is seeking his second term, reported he has $4.7 million cash-on-hand, and his campaign reported that a majority of his contributors – 80 percent – gave donations of $50 or less. James, who is attempting his second run at the senatorial ring, after being defeated by Senator Debbie Stabenow in 2018, is no slouch in the fundraising department himself. He was in the ring for just three weeks of the quarter and still brought in $1.5 million in that period. Since he had almost a half-mill in the bank, he goes forward with about $2 million. His campaign stated that he had 12,000 donors, of which 71 percent gave $50 or less, and 88 percent contributed $100 or less. With over a year to go, this looks like quite the expensive horse race.

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OVER THE BORDERLINE: Madonna isn’t the only person from Rochester Hills who makes national headlines these days, as the city’s mayor, Bryan Barnett, was recently named the president of the United States Conference of Mayors.

America’s Mayor led a delegation of border-state mayors to the immigration border facility in El Paso, Texas. The visit included a tour of the facilities in which border agents told the mayors they would be treated just like migrants picked up trying to cross into the United States, as well as a 90-minute Q&A session with Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan. While Barnett said migrants – which the mayors were instructed not to speak with – being held at the facility are about a tenth of what they were a few months ago, more still needs to be done to meet the needs at the border. Still, Barnett said he didn’t see any signs of mistreatment or other issues BARNETT described at other facilities. “I understand my perspective was formed in two hours on a facility tour, but the facility was orderly and well run... I didn’t see some of the things that have been described. I’m not saying they don’t exist, but we didn’t see them, and we went into every room at that facility,” he said. The trip came three days after Barnett visited the White House where modern material girl, Ivanka Trump, requested a personal meeting with him.

LOOKING WESTWARD: Ferndale Mayor Dave Coulter has Lansing, and the state House of Representatives, in his sight. With 27th District Rep. Robert Wittenberg (D-Huntington Woods, Ferndale, Berkley, Oak Park) term-limited, and allegedly looking at the Oakland County Treasurer position, Coulter announced his campaign to run for his House seat. Coulter’s been mayor of Ferndale for nine years, and previously served on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. “I’m excited to announce my desire to go to Lansing as the next state Representative from the 27th district. I know we can do better when it comes to supporting our public schools, fixing our infrastructure, creating jobs, making quality healthcare affordable for everyone, lifting up our children, and making Michigan a more welcoming and inclusive place,” he COULTER announced on Facebook in early July.

BULLS EYE: When you’re on top – or in this case, in positions of power – there’s always someone looking to take you down. That is what Congresswomen Haley Stevens (DBirmingham, Bloomfield Hills, western Oakland and Wayne counties) and Elissa Slotkin are discovering as the Republican National Committee (RNC) launched a six-figure ad buy targeting them, along with 18 other congressional Democrats, telling their constituents to pressure them to approve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“Unfortunately, Democrats like Elissa Slotkin and Haley Stevens have continued to no make any progress toward signing the deal into law, siding with Nancy Pelosi over Michigan families,” said Michael Joyce of the RNC. In response, Stevens announced she had raised more than $725,000 in the second quarter of 2019 for her 2020 re-election campaign, bringing her 2019 haul to almost $1.3 million so far, with over $1 million cash-on-hand.

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DOUBLE DARE YOU: Looks like Congresswoman Haley Stevens will have at least one Republican challenger next year, with Dillon Breen announcing he is forming an exploratory committee for an 11th District congressional run. Breen is a former campaign staff intern for infamous former Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, the Republican who held this seat before flaming out in spectacular fashion in 2012. For those with fleeting political memories, McCotter and some aides had a problem with petition signatures – as in too few that weren’t forged. While McCotter was never charged – four aides were – the scandal ended his political career. Breen wasn’t charged, but McCotter eyed him when he filed a lawsuit alleging his staffers had deliberately forged the signatures in order to sabotage his campaign. The suit was BREEN dismissed with no sign of wrongdoing. Since then, Breen has served as Wayne County Republican Committee chair from 2015 to 2017 and chair of the

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11th Congressional District in 2018, and was district director for former Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake). He is currently president of the Livonia Republican Club.

GROWING PAINS: Word has it that Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Dave Woodward (and staff) are working overtime up at 1200 Telegraph Road, Oakland County headquarters, at the chair’s behest in order to push lots of new initiatives after decades of Republican board dominance. As one unnamed commissioner alleges, the new Democratic chair is cracking the whip, leaving some staff short-handed and overworked. The change is part of a transformation Woodward announced after being elected chair by the new Democrat-majority board (11-10) in January to move from a rubber-stamp on executive decisions from county executive L. Brooks Patterson to an independent entity. Meanwhile, buzz from inside the hive is that worker bees are adjusting to the changes with pride as the board attempts to take a bit of the sting out by authorizing new positions.

BELLY FLOP: As candidates line up to challenge former Republican Congressman Justin Amash (I-Grand Rapids) for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, some political analysts believe the incumbent’s exit from the GOP could lead to a possible flip of the district.

Considered a solid Republican district until Amash left the party, the district is now considered “leaning Republican” by Roll Call, as Amash’s bid as an Independent could take enough votes from Republican candidates to allow it to flip to a Democrat. Even taking 20 percent of Republican votes could make for a close race in a district that has elected a Republican for the past 14 terms. Add in the fact that President Donald Trump received just 52 percent of the vote in the district in 2016, and some strategists believe Amash’s flip could lead to a flop for the GOP in 2020.

SPIES LIKE US: A former professional football player and six Democrats enter Congress and form a task force to stop foreign interference in U.S. elections. It’s no joke. Freshman Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-Rochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland, parts of Livingston and Ingham counties) – a former CIA analyst and acting assistant secretary of defense – has been meeting with six other freshman members of Congress for more than two months as part of Task Force Sentry. The goal of the group is to enact laws that will curb foreign interference, and stems from special counsel Robert Mueller’s findings that detailed how Russian operatives used misinformation to attack the 2016 election process. Other members of the task force include former CIA operations officer Abigail Spanberger (D-VA); former Navy SLOTKIN pilot and Russian policy officer Mike Sherrill (D-NJ); former Air Force veteran and engineer Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA); Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL); Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM); and former professional football player Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH).

TURNING TABLES: The state House 39th District, representing West Bloomfield and Commerce Township, has a history of flipping back and forth between Republican and Democrats, depending on the candidates, and who is on the top of the ticket.

Previously occupied by current Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown (D) and former Rep. Klint Kesto (R), it was held as a Republican seat in 2018 by Ryan Berman of West Bloomfield – because the Democratic candidate was accused (and pled guilty to) embezzlement. Dems want the seat back – and think they may have a candidate to flip the district back in 2020 with Julia Pulver of Commerce Township, who almost won the 15th state Senate district in 2018, losing to winner Jim Runestad, 51 percent to 48 percent, a longtime Republican district. She was outspent PULVER in that campaign, seven to one, and has sent out an email to followers to help her retire her debt so that she can “FlipMIBlue in 2020” meaning flip the state House Democratic.

RIDING A HISTORIC TRAIL: A potentially raucous campaign to replace Michigan House Democratic Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington, Farmington Hills) looks primed to unfurl as the term-limited representative of the 37th District steps down at the end of 2020.

Currently, three members of the Farmington Hills City Council – made up of a total seven members – are poised to battle one another in the Democratic primary next August 4 – council members Randy Bruce and Samantha Steckloff have both filed campaign finance paperwork to run as Democrats for the seat, as has mayor pro tem Michael Bridges. While political wonks say it could be a record to have three individuals from the same body running against one another for the same seat, Farmington Hills City Council has a history as a feeder to the state House 37th District. Not only is Greig a former council member, but so was her predecessor, former House Democratic Leader Vicki Barnett, who is looking to head back home, running for a seat on council this fall, along with late Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi, who held the seat from 2002 to 2006, and late Rep. Jan C. Dolan, a Republican who was state rep for the district from 1989 to 1996. A bit of family trivia – Steckloff is Barnett’s daughter.

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Jaime Ray Newman ith a resume including shows like General Hospital, Veronica Mars, Bates Motel, The Magicians, and Midnight, Texas, you’ve probably seen Jaime Ray Newman on television before. Or you might have caught her in February, giving her Oscar acceptance speech.

“Besides the birth of my kid, it was the most incredible moment of my life,” said Newman, who shared the award for Best Live Action Short Film with her husband, Guy Nattiv. “It was genuinely unexpected – we had no idea.”

Newman – who graduated from Cranbrook Kingswood High School and attended Interlochen Center for the Arts – admits their award-winning film, Skin, isn’t the easiest to watch. It focuses on the true story of Bryon Widner, a reformed skinhead who got his racist facial tattoos removed, with help from black activist, Daryle Jenkins.

Skin – Nattiv’s first American project – was originally supposed to be a feature.

During summer 2016, their agent took the script to producers, who said the script was amazing and Nattiv was an excellent director, but this sort of racism just didn’t really exist in America anymore.

“We were so devastated that we literally took our retirement funds and made the short, as if proof of concept,” Newman said.

“In the meantime, President Trump gets elected, Charlottesville happens, and the world kind of caught on fire,” she continued. “What was ‘not in the zeitgeist,’ unfortunately, was now front and center.”

While true, Skin only got into one film festival, the HollyShorts Film Festival, which it won and qualified them for the Academy Awards. Then, well, they won.

This is only the beginning though. The duo have multiple films in the pipeline for their production company, New Native Pictures. They want to make movies that aren’t just entertainment, but a platform to ask questions about culture, society, and politics, and push social boundaries.

“Pure escapism isn’t what we’re interested in. It’s important to have that in the world, it’s just not our mission statement,” Newman said.

Newman is less selective about the projects she chooses when it comes to acting. But one TV show from her career stands out from the rest – Eastwick, a 2009 ABC fantasy comedy-drama based on John Updike's novel The Witches of Eastwick.

It may have only lasted one season, but Newman said it gave her a launching platform and was the first pilot she did that was picked up.

“That was a very powerful experience for me,” she said. “I loved working with women. It was an ensemble show but I worked my ass off. I loved working on that show.”

She’s not only done television – including Hulu’s highly-anticipated, Little Fires Everywhere – but film and stage work as well, which she’s dying to get back to.

“I just love to work,” she said. “To me, being on set, being amongst other actors, being with crews, that’s my life blood.”

She’s been doing this for a while now.

Newman’s father has hours of home footage of her singing, dancing, and performing, but it was her role in a local equity theater that sealed the deal. She received her equity card at age 10.

From there, she would not only learn at Cranbrook and Interlochen – the two most influential places on her as an artist growing up – but start her own theater company as a junior in high school, producing three plays.

Skin may have been the first film she produced with Nattiv, but clearly it’s always been in her.

“I see a direct through-line from that 16-year-old to me at age 41 standing up on that Oscar stage,” Newman said.

W

Story: Dana Casadei

TOXIC PLAY TEEN BRAINS AND POTENTIAL DANGERS OF SPENDING TOO MUCH TIME ON VIDEO GAMES

BY LISA BRODY

S

ome teens can dabble in it, enjoying it in small quantities and then walking away satiated. Their consumption may be with friends – an hour here or there – or alone in their rooms, but their grades never fall, they maintain strong friendships, are usually goodnatured and friendly around the house, getting to school on time and never missing sports practices or other extracurricular activities. While it's an enjoyable addition to their lives, it's not something that's a make-or-break part of their lives.

Yet other individuals become consumed, returning over and over, literally unable to let go. Their personalities undergo a dramatic change. Grades plummet, attendance at school, sports and extracurricular activities, as well as chores, take a nosedive, while friendships and family relationships become frayed or dissolve. Some people reportedly suffer from mental health disorders. As a parent, just try taking it away from your child.

“It” is not alcohol, opioids or another toxic substance, but video games, which according to many experts and scientific researchers, can cause an actual addiction for a portion of the playing population while simultaneously negatively impacting the development of the brains of children and adolescents, including causing permanent brain damage in some users.

Over 150 million people in the United States play video games on a regular basis, which is considered approximately three hours a week. While numerous players are children and adolescents, the average American gamer is actually a 35-year-old, with 72 percent of gamers 18-years-old and older. More males than females are regular video game players, with females utilizing social media more frequently than males. While there are many parents concerned about video game and screen time use, Hannah Nichols of Medical News Today noted that a majority of parents – 71 percent – currently indicate that video games have a positive influence on their child's life. Some parents utilize educational video games as part of their child's instructional life.

There are education advocates who assert that educational games can improve a child's ability to learn, especially in a child's early years.

Video game sales are robust, with sales continuing to increase year-to-year. In 2016, there were 24.5 billion video games sold – up from 23.2 billion in 2015 and 21.4 billion in 2014. The topselling video games of 2016 were “Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare;” “Battlefield 1;” and “Grand Theft Auto V,” which fall into the firstperson shooter or action-adventure genres. The two genres – firstperson shooter accounted for 27.5 percent of sales in 2016, while action-adventure made up 22.5 percent of sales – are often accused of stirring aggression and causing violence and addiction.

A current bestselling game, Fortnite, was released in 2017, is an online video game available free, of the survival, action building and battle royale genres. As of March 2019, Epic Games, which developed Fortnite, reported they had 250 million users worldwide, earning $6.9 billion – largely by the game selling “VBucks,” an in-game currency, for $9.99 per 1,000, which can be spent on customization items that are used during play.

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A major contention and concern about video gaming of researchers and scientists is that it can affect and permanently change areas of the brain, as well as cause a small percentage of players to become so obsessed or addicted to gaming that they cease to be functional in other areas of their lives. For children and adolescents, whose brains and behaviors are still forming, the negative impact to younger brains can result in destructive behavior, impacted development and decreased social activity, which can have long-lasting ramifications. The world's neuroscientists and psychiatrists, who have been conducting studies of the potential problems, acknowledge that video games will have a different effect on different players, but caution that there can be real health implications.

“Psychologists have issued warnings about how addictive Fortnite – and other video games – are,” said Melissa Henson, program director, Parents Television Council. “There is a real and observable phenomenon with Fortnite, which is considerably addictive, of kids acting violent when it's turned off and/or taken away. It's comparable to taking alcohol away from an alcoholic. They become dependent on it and react violently when it's taken from them.”

Henson said that cat scans show physiological changes in the brains of children that play a lot of violent video games, where the area of the brain that monitors impulse control and judgement shrinks. “The hippocampus, which handles 'fight or flight' – that part grows,” she said. “There is a substantial body of research that shows that violent video games are more dangerous than violent TV shows because in violent video games you are the avatar – you are the one holding the gun, doing the action. With violent TV shows and movies, you're a passive observer.”

On May 25, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially adopted “gaming disorder,” adding it to the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as a behavioral addiction, explaining it is “a pattern of gaming behavior ('digital gaming' or 'video gaming') characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences.

Some experts compare it to gambling addiction.

“For gaming disorder to be diagnosed, the behavior pattern must be of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months… people who partake in gaming should be alert to the amount of time they spend on gaming activities, particularly when it is to the exclusion of other daily activities,” the WHO said.

Y

et others are not as convinced, noting that despite the noted WHO classification, “It's not a set-in-stone diagnosis.

It's controversial – and I'm a video game scholar. I'm very interested in the discussion,” said Sam Srauy, assistant professor, Department of Communications and Journalism, Oakland University. “We're still in the early days of video game research.”

Srauy goes as far as to ask – what is a video game?

“Since the 1970's, when video games first emerged, the definition of video games has changed dramatically,” he said, noting the 1970's was the era of Pong and Pac-Man. “Today, they're like a movie from Marvel that's interactive. Fortnite (played online against other players online) is very interactive. We also have games that are violent to others that lets you choose your own adventure. They look very different because tech barriers to the nitty gritty have been lowered, leaving us with no clear definition of what is a video game. It might be like obscenity – I may call it an obscenity, but you may not. The question is technical, so the tenet of what video game you can be addicted to – are you addicted to the playing? The button mashing? The dopamine in your brain being released? The violence?”

“Violence and aggression is subjective – it's emotionally-loaded terminology,” asserted Chris Ferguson, psychology professor at Stetson University. He said conflating video game usage with “something as toxic as the effect of smoking to lung cancer is a pretty extreme conclusion. Part of the problem is it can include so many video games – from PacMan to Grand Theft Auto – just like literature can range from the Bible to

Shakespeare. PacMan gobbles up everything, but most people don't worry about the PacMans. If you're talking about bullying and aggression, video games don't contribute to that. It's not a risk factor. The correlation between screen time and suicide could be the same as eating bananas and suicide – everything can be nuanced if you look hard enough.”

Ferguson said it was a mistake for the WHO to label gaming disorder an addiction for a couple of reasons.

“The focus is on the game itself. The WHO has singled out gaming devices. Why is it concerned about video game overuse but not shopping overuse or exercise overuse?” he asked. “It's not that there aren't people who don't overuse video games – but is this a health disorder? It's one percent (of users). The WHO has seemingly responded to a technological panic. It's because old people don't like video games, and it's a political decision – especially from some Asian countries.”

V

ideo games are extremely popular in Asia, from S. Korea to Singapore to China, with esports – a form of competition among using video games – finding its largest market in China. According to Bloomberg, in 2017 China was described as the “Games Industry Capital of the World.” Plagiarism by Chinese developers has been a worldwide problem for over a decade.

In April 2019, China announced it would ban video games that had blood, gore and gambling in any form.

Barry Fishman, professor of information and education at University of Michigan, takes it a step further, calling it a “moral panic” – where fear spreads among a group of people that some evil threatens the well-being of society.

“There is a long history of moral panics,” Fishman said, “where a new medium spurs a panic among the populace,” describing previous “moral panics” against the pulp novel, comic books, forms of kids' TV, movies, rap music and music lyrics.

“The theme is always 'kids are doing something terrible and it will tear kids apart,'” Fishman stated. “It's almost always about kids doing something parents don't understand and don't like – and it almost always turns out to be nothing.”

Except the lure and attachment of video games may not be nothing.

That is something even professor Fishman acknowledges.

“I think there is something to be said about how modern technology gets us engaged and keeps us engaged,” he said. “I think the real threat is social media, and the way we are all interacting with social media. I agree with the World Health Organization that there is an issue with too much time playing with video games – and the probability of addiction – not because it's something inherently bad in video games, like the hidden ingredients in cigarettes – but because video games are designed with harm. Video game designers are very overt that they want you to keep playing.

“Doing too much of anything is bad. You could be addicted to video games, social media, cell phones,” Fishman said. “The tricky thing is – what do we mean by addicted?”

As for changes in the brain, such as in the hippocampus, Fishman said, “All experiences change the brain. That's how we grow. But what we don't know is what those changes mean for behavior. Brain-based learning (educational games) was all snake oil – what we do about it is all more nuanced and not supported by science.”

Fishman, who teaches a course called “Games for Learning,” about video games and learning, said most games designed for education are not designed well – which Henson of the Parents Television Council acknowledges.

“Educators are trying to figure out how to recreate incentives, like video games do, like in math, to incentivize them, because the first time they try they give up in apps and in math games,” she said. “Game developers have figured it out that if they don't get it right, it's okay and they can keep trying again and again – it's part of what makes them so addictive. So educators are directing (educational game developers) to app and math games.”

“Well-designed video games are tools for learning,” Fishman noted.

“They're very powerful and gets you engaged in complicated games. It gets you to take on increasing challenges; it keeps you engaged and supports

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you as you increase in levels as you get better, until you ultimately succeed. If there was a game you couldn't get better at, you would stop playing. The thing that makes a well-designed video game is what makes a great educational game – there's a sense of self-autonomy, where you have a choice and it makes a difference; a sense of relatedness and belonging, the feeling of being part of something larger and still seen as an individual; and support for competence. Video games teach us a lot. Educational games aren't good – they're just better than a worksheet.

“Take Fortnite – you keep playing against other people, you're part of a large community, so they're not loners. It's similar to a sports fan community.”

Dr. Douglas Gentile, child psychologist at Iowa State University, said, “When we talk about 'addiction' we're talking about doing something so much where it interrupts other important things in our lives. It's an addiction when it causes such disruption to the rest of your life. There is a fine line and a difference from a passion. With a passion, you don't lose your job or your marriage. People manage their passions.”

Gentile said when he first began studying the topic in the 1990s, he was determined to disprove the theory of addiction. “And I learned I was wrong.”

While not a majority of users, “I did learn there are a certain small percentage of users who will have multiple disruptions to their lives, a percentage that has changes depending upon the sample size and statistics,” he said, pointing out that it is generally “between one and 10 percent of gamers. Most disorders, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, learning disabilities, in any given population are between one and 10 percent, so that's very consistent. It's a small percentage. It's not zero – but it's also not 50 percent of the population. We're not talking about something like obesity, where it's 35 to 45 percent of the population.”

“The good news is most people can play video games – that's still 90 percent – without any disruption to their lives,” Gentile said.

But, he pointed out, “Even if we take the lowest number – the one percent of U.S. kids – there's about 40 million children between eight and 18, according to the 2010 U.S. census. Ninety percent of those play video games. If we take one percent – that's hundreds of thousands of kids who are doing serious damage to school function, their psychological and emotional function, their family function – where they feel anxious and depressed, they use games as a coping mechanism, are getting into fights with their parents, some of which are violent, they're doing badly in school, they drop other activities to game. It's not just that they like games – they need to play.

“The line is really clear – it's about dysfunction,” Gentile stated. “If your kid is playing games but keeping his grades up, playing with friends, continuing other obligations, doing his chores, staying in band, going to soccer practices – then go ahead and game. Then it's part of their entertainment. Because it's not about the game – it's about the gamer. That makes it about the substance.”

R

egis Carozza, an attorney at Honigman and an educator, became interested in the topic of screen exposure and problems with brain development as a high school teacher at The Roeper School over the last decade, and began researching and speaking on the neuroscience and neuropsychology on the impact of screens on brain development.

“Dopamine is a neurohormone which is produced in specific areas of the brain. It's responsible for wanting and desiring things. It's not about pleasure,” Carozza explained.

Dopamine is essential for brain function, he said, which is why Parkinson's patients have such issues with not having enough dopamine.

“The problem that arises with screens, including video games, is that it triggers dopamine releases,” he said, pointing out that video games utilize “persuasive design” in order to stimulate production when a gamer is exposed to it, encouraging them to continue playing and playing and playing.

“Dopamine surges (for gamers) are similar to those who are pathological gamblers and drug addicts,” Carozza asserted. “It's the

same neurological reaction. The technology is designed to maximize those dopamine surges to increase their use. This excessive dopamine – it's so constant and pounding on them from the new media – it's not an hour a day, it's constant surges of dopamine to kids' brains. They're awash in it. It suppresses the neuroactivity in their prefrontal cortex, which is supposed to be developing at this time.

“My concern with all of this screen time and video games is it interferes with the normal development of the brain. They're supposed to be looking at other kids in the eye, they're supposed to be learning to talk to each other, learning to engage – and instead they're in front of screens,” Carozza said. “Evolution wastes nothing. Biology is brutally efficient. It wouldn't waste the development of the prefrontal cortex if it wasn't critically important.”

Video game manufacturers understand this pathology because neuroscientists and psychologists are on development teams of large video game makers.

M

arc Potenza, MD, professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Child Study at Yale University School of Medicine and director, Yale Center of Excellence in Gambling Research, said brain imaging shows similarities in neurocognitive examinations between gambling and video game behaviors and other dysfunctional internet behavior, such as excessive pornographic viewing.

“We have found a number of different things in studies of gambling,” Potenza said. “Gambling disorder shares a number of attributes with gaming disorder and other addictive disorders in certain areas of the brain that have been seen to be affected, such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.”

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex is located in the frontal lobe of the brain, and is implicated in the processing of risk and fear, as it is a critical part of the regulation of the amygdala activity in humans. It is involved in the process of memory, decision making, self-control and in the cognitive evaluation of morality. The amygdala plays a significant role in instigating and monitoring emotional reactions associated with anger and violence.

Craig Anderson, editor of the journal Aggressive Behavior and distinguished professor of psychology, Iowa State University, said in the short term regarding use of violent video games, “The effects are generally the same for children, adolescents and young adults, although some researchers have found slightly stronger effects for children. The effects occur through changes in aggressive thoughts, aggressive feelings, and physiological arousal. In the short term, exposure to violent media can increase the accessibility to aggressive thoughts and increase aggressive feelings. Consuming violent media can also increase physiological arousal. Together, these three factors make a person more likely to behave aggressively, especially in a potentially aggressive situation.”

He said that when a person is exposed to violent media over the long term, it can lead to long-term changes in their brain and mindset.

“They become more desensitized – that is, they become less emotionally and physically reactive to scenes of violence and thoughts about behaving violently,” Anderson stated. “Both television viewing and video gameplay have been linked to attention problems, specifically difficulties in maintaining attention focus, like playing attention to a lecture… (it) has also been linked to impulsivity and impairments in self-control, cognitive control and executive functioning, all of which likely contribute to attention problems.”

In a letter written to the American Psychological Society (APA), 50 of the nation's prominent psychologists on August 8, 2018, said they were writing to “call attention to the unethical practice of psychologists using hidden manipulation techniques to hook children on social media and video games. These techniques – employed without children’s or their parents’ knowledge or consent – increase kids’ overuse of digital devices, resulting in risks to their health and well-being… In this letter, we describe how psychologists and other user experience researchers working for the consumer tech industry utilize persuasive technology (also called persuasive design or behavior design) to increase children's

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use of social media and video games, how this fosters children's overuse of screens, and how research demonstrates a connection between children's screen overuse and two problems afflicting this generation of kids: mental health struggles and poor academic performance.

“The typical U.S. teen now spends six hours, 40 minutes a day using screens for entertainment,” the letter continued, noting that less advantaged children and teens spend even more time behind screens – up to eight hours, 26 minutes a day for low income black teens. The letter urged the APA to call on psychologists and the tech industry to disclose its use of psychological persuasion techniques, and to take a strong advocacy position to educate parents, schools and child advocates about the use of psychological persuasion in social media and video games, as well as to inform the public of the potential harm of children’s overuse of screens.

Research continues on the effect of gaming on human brains – particularly younger brains. The National Institutes of Health launched a 10-year study on the effects of children who are heavy gamers and heavy social media users, closing the study in 2018. The aim of the study was to examine online social interactions along with patterns of video gaming behaviors and game addiction symptoms in order to better understand disorders related to excessive video game play using a sample of 9,733 adolescents based on heavy use of games, social networking and instant messaging, and game addiction symptoms.

In reporting their results, the researchers said they identified two types of heavy gaming classes. One group had a higher rate of online social interaction.

“Most adolescents estimated to be in heavy gaming classes had more depressive symptoms than normative classes. Male non-social gamers had more social anxiety. Female social gamers had less social anxiety and loneliness, but lower self-esteem. Friendship quality attenuated depression in some male social gamers, but strengthened associations with loneliness in some male non-social gamers,” the researchers stated.

“Consistent with our second study hypothesis, we found differences in well-being across gaming subgroups, such that non-social classes were associated with lower levels of psychosocial well-being,” the NIH report continued. “Importantly… all heavy gaming classes in both boys and girls were associated with more depressive symptoms. One possible explanation for this is heavy gamers feel depressed, and their heavy gaming does not relieve symptoms.”

Dr. Potenza of Yale said he and his team of researchers have tested certain medications to determine efficacy for gambling disorder, and while none are yet approved by the FDA with an indication for gambling and gaming disorder, “certain medications do appear to block impulses and appear to help with cravings. Some are helpful in clinical trials with gambling,” he said.

Some parents and heavy gamers, having seen the signs of addiction in their teens or in themselves, seek treatment, which appears to be in its early stages. Many of the treatment programs are modeled on gambling disorders and addiction, because of the similarity in the symptoms and behavior, and the belief that similar areas of the brain are triggered.

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epending upon the severity of the addiction, patients are treated on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

Meredith Watkins, MA, of the American Addiction Centers, said, “Inpatient facilities offer 24-hour supervision in a supportive, structured environment, which may be beneficial for individuals who haven’t been able to control their video game use. Outpatient treatment, which includes intensive outpatient programs and partial hospitalization programs, offers more flexibility for individuals who cannot enroll in inpatient treatment due to personal responsibilities or who are very motivated to recover from addictive behavior.

She went on, “Treatment for video game addiction focuses on behavioral modification therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that guide the client away from the obsessive thoughts, patterns and obsessive habits of addiction. Group therapy is a valuable source of motivation and moral support, especially for

individuals who have lost contact with friends or peers as a result of their game addiction. Family or marriage counseling can help educate loved ones about the disorder and create a more stable home environment.”

Inpatient facilities can range from noted drug addiction rehab centers, like Cottonwood in Tuscon, Arizona, which has added video game addiction treatment to its list of addiction treatments, to a few days in a local hospital, to recovery boot camps offering personalized, but at times austere, treatment programs.

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hile there has been an increase in the awareness of the behavior, gaming disorders haven't been studied as much gambling disorders, “which haven't been studied as much as substance disorders,” Potenza noted, particularly because there is a lack of funding. But he sees it just as addictive, and similar to gambling, “from an impulse control disorder.”

What are the similarities with other addictive substances that confirm Potenza's assumptions that gaming disorder is an addiction?

“What are the negative behaviors associated with the behaviors (of gaming)?” he asked, spelling out the impetuous urge, diminished or impulsive control – where people find less satisfaction from the behavior, which often occurs with addictive behavior, but they continue the behavior despite adverse consequences. When thinking of addictive behaviors, you must think of the impairments associated with them. I've seen hundreds of people in treatment for gambling addiction, with their finances, relationships, jobs, and trust with others impacted.”

Potenza added a caveat. “We need to be mindful that for most people, gambling and gaming are enjoyable endeavors – but for those people who do have problems, they can be significant.”

He said it's not an effort to stop gaming and gambling as an entirety.

“But there are people who are gaming 12 hours a day, and it's interfering with work and relationships,” he said. “There are stories about people dying in internet cafes after gaming for 24 hours a day” – notably in Asia. Potenza said S. Korea has called for these cafes to close for a certain number of hours a day because of the problem.

Another question some researchers are just beginning to look at – are playing violent video games making people depressed, suicidal, lack impulse control, suffer from anxiety – or are people who suffer from those conditions drawn to excessive play of violent video games?

Regis Carozza said that between 2012 and 2015, boys' depression in the United States increased by 21 percent, while girls' depression spiked by 50 percent. “Teenagers who spend more than three hours a day in front of screens are at increased risk of having at least one risk factor for suicide by 35 percent,” he said.

Stetson University's Chris Ferguson contends that “video game usage isn't the initial cause of a person's problem – it's actually the opposite. For most of these people, they're starting with a mental health problem, like depression, anxiety or something else, and they're turning to gaming. The games are a sort of coping mechanism, and they overdue it. They escape into it. Games are a lot of fun and real life isn't. Some of these people are getting treated for the symptoms – but taking away the video game is not addressing the real problem. Some kids get treatment they don't need, and healthy kids can get treatments they don't need.”

Barry Fishman of University of Michigan agrees.

“When somebody commits an act of violence and the media says they were a loner who played a lot of video games – it's the loner part I focus on,” Fishman said. “It's not a distinguished characteristic to play video games. They all play video games, and there's not riots in the streets. With a moral panic, it gives a scapegoat because it's much harder to say, 'Why are people alone and feeling isolated,' than to say these games are bad and we should ban them.”

“I am looking askance at the idea of video game addiction by the WHO, but to be fair, looking at something that ruins your life for 12 months – insert something for video games – makes total sense,” acknowledged Sam Srauy of Oakland University. “It may just be an evolving definition – and that's science.”

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BY KEVIN ELLIOTT he formation of a regional water authority in southeast Michigan was intended to give customers outside the city of Detroit a greater say in the governance of the system that provides nearly 40 percent of the state with drinking water, yet at the same time ensuring the stability of that system while keeping rate increases within a reasonable range. Now in it's fourth year of operation, those inside the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the communities it serves say the new authority is on the right track. However, saddled with billions of dollars of debt and deferred maintenance projects needed to update the system, the authority faces familiar challenges.

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According to the FBI, former DWSD Director Victor Mercado, in his own guilty plea, admitted to steering contracts at Kilpatrick's direction to former Detroit contractor Bobby Ferguson, who was illegally awarded $73 million in contracts. Meanwhile suburban customers outside of Detroit continued to foot the bill for the deteriorating and mismanaged system with no operating control or financial oversight.

The original efforts that led to the creation of the GLWA began in 2013, when Detroit approached Oakland County with a pitch to regionalize the water system. At the time, the city was working to dig out from about $18 billion in debt, including roughly $5.7 billion in water and sewer bonds owed by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD).

Further, the city was looking at no less than $1.5 billion in capital improvements needed in the system over the following five years.

In March of 2013, the DWSD was just coming out of federal oversight of the department for failure to meet clean water act requirements related to its sewage treatment plant. Looking to make a deal and find new funding opportunities, the city pitched a deal for regionalization that was ultimately rejected, Oakland County Deputy Executive Robert Daddow recalled.

"We met on like a Tuesday, and they wanted our decision on regionalization by that Friday," he said.

Daddow said a second meeting took place in June, this time involving the newly appointed Detroit emergency manager. This time, the city pitched a regional authority that would pay $9 billion in payments to the city's general fund over 40 years.

"This is a system where they didn't have resources to maintain the system, but they wanted $9 billion, and put together this ridiculous consulting study," he said. "That was obviously rejected. Wayne and Macomb counties just walked away."

As Detroit explored other options, including a consideration to privatize the system, Daddow said subsequent plans weren't much better, with major holes in system condition and financial information. By April of 2014, former Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano petitioned the federal court to force the parties into mediation. ltimately, Daddow said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan rejected the proposal to allow the annual lease payments to go directly to the city's general fund, which allowed for more meaningful negotiations and a memorandum of understanding in late 2014 that led to the formation of the GLWA. Starting in 2016, the GLWA began operating as an independent water and wastewater authority, separate from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, which had had control of the system for more than 150 years. Under the agreement that allowed the formation of the GLWA, the new

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authority agreed to sign a $50-million per-year lease for control over the DWSD treatment plants, major water transmission lines, sewage interceptors and related facilities for 40 years.

The agreement requires those funds to go directly toward capital improvements of the city's portion of the system.

Under the previous governance, the entire system was operated as a city department overseen by a board of water commissioners, made up of seven members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; four members from Detroit and one each from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties.

"If you're any good at math, you can figure out four members versus three doesn't provide any control of the board at all," said Daddow, who serves on the current GLWA Board of Directors.

In addition to lacking any control of the system, communities outside of Detroit were basically unable to exit the system. As previously stated by Daddow to Downtown, there was no reasonable way to exit the system because all of the required permits were held by the DWSD and there was no reasonable way to secure them and build your own system that wasn't in existence, thus creating a monopoly.

Under the new structure of the GLWA, the governing board consists of six members â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one from each county (Oakland, Macomb and Wayne), two from the city of Detroit, and one representative for the state of Michigan. All major decisions, such as water, sewer and capital improvements, must be approved by a five-vote, super majority.

While the city of Detroit retains ownership of the entire system, the GLWA manages the system under the lease agreement. All funds received from the lease must remain in the system, meaning lease payments can't be used for the city's general fund or for other uses outside of the water and sewer system managed by DWSD within the city. Ultimately, the lease must be used to make needed repairs and investments in Detroit's local water and sewer infrastructure, many of which could assist both the city and improve the regional system.

The new structure not only gives the counties more input and control of the system, it ensures planning, financial and operational oversight that had been lacking for decades.

"As much as anything, the seat at the table provides us with the information necessary to deal with business decisions that were under the prior entity's control. Having a seat at the table where all the information is shared with all the partners simultaneously is a fairly significant improvement," Daddow said.

"There's some consternation on the board from time to time as to who is going to pay for what and why, but in those former types of scenarios, we didn't know what we didn't know."

For instance, while Daddow said it was known that deferred maintenance was an issue under the DWSD, the extent of the physical condition wasn't entirely known. In

general, he said, the DWSD didn't have an assessment program in place, making the creation of a long-term capital plan difficult.

"They didn't know where the problems were," he said. "Now we have a methodical way of doing it that has been an exceptionally good move on the part of the GLWA in doing assessments and are prioritizing projects."

As backlogs become more apparent, the cost for capital improvements go up.

"It takes years or decades for deferred maintenance to really effect performance, and that includes water main breaks and sewer collapses," he said. "That still plagues us today." addow pointed to a massive water main break in the fall of 2017 in Farmington Hills that left more than 300,000 people without water and prompted a boil water mandate in 11 Oakland County communities.

The rupture led to closings of schools and effected hospital operations.

"Midway through the first night, we had to make a decision whether three to five hospitals had to be shut down," Daddow said.

"The people in the hospitals are sick, and moving them is a critical decision, particularly if they're in the intensive care unit. Those are life and death situations. Those are significant issues associated with deferred maintenance."

The formation of the GLWA also meant the system wasn't tied to Detroit's finance system.

"We have a better understanding of transactions, but some of those issues persist only because the transactions preceded the GLWA," Daddow said.

For example, about $1.16 million in bonds were issued by the DWSD in 2011 and 2012 for water and sewer. Of those, about $547 million was used to fund swap termination payments on financial deals that had been terminated by financial institutions because of a credit downgrade of the city, meaning more than a half-billion dollars of debt was accumulated that provided no benefit to the system.

"Those are the types of things that were absolutely the decision of Detroit that effect the cost of water and sewer services now, and well into the future," he said. "The debt is an issue."

Major refinancing of debt occurred in 2017, allowing the GLWA to save about $300 million over the next 20 to 25 years through increased bond ratings, which weren't available under the DWSD. In terms of operating costs, roughly 50 to 55 percent is used for debt service alone.

While costs to address deferred maintenance are expected to rise as more issues are uncovered, water rates charged to suburban customers by the authority have stabilized. Under the agreement forming the authority, rates are based on peak demands, as well as the amounts communities pay for water on a 24-month average. Previous rates were based on customer-community water purchase commitments and had a smaller fixed cost component.

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Additionally, the agreement requires budget increases for water and sewer not to exceed four percent for the first 10 years under the GLWA management. Revenue requirements reflect overall costs of the system and a primary component of the rate formula. Further, the agreement created a Water Residential Assistance Program (WRAP) which provides assistance to low-income customers receiving water and sewer services.

Under the program, GLWA sets aside .5 percent of its budgeted revenue to help qualifying customers pay their bills.

"Dollars from the WRAP program are now available through the regional system," said DWSD Director Gary Brown. rown said the program has helped customers in Detroit to catch up on bills while cutting back on water cut-offs. Brown said collection rates in the city have increased from about 77 percent in January 2016 to nearly 95 percent.

"I have to give credit to customer service.

The main tool to collect was shut-offs. Detroit had 50,000 customers being shut off and collection was only 77 percent," he said.

"Today, we provide assistance and we have a 94 percent collection rate. For every one percent we raise in collections, we bring in over $4.4 million. There's $64 million this year that wasn't available last year based on collections. And we are passing that $64 million on to pay for bad debt into next year's rates.

"There were double digit rates for years.

Now, with the lease agreement capped at four percent of revenue, this year we had two percent increases, and last year was 1.3 percent."

Brown said there was a misconception that Detroit rate payers were responsible for failing to pay their bills, but he said there are customers in Flint, Pontiac and other locations who have had trouble in the past who are now receiving assistance from the new WRAP program.

In late June, the DWSD announced it would invest $500 million over the next five years to upgrade water and sewer systems in the city.

The project, which is funded from the GLWA lease payment, is a direct result of updated assessment operations in the system.

Brian Baker, who serves as president of the GLWA Board of Directors, as well as Chief Deputy for Macomb County Public Works, said the county is pleased with the progress of the GLWA so far, although some struggles remain.

For instance, he said, the city of Highland Park, which owed about $25 million in unpaid water bills when the GLWA was formed, now owes about $42 millionâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; a bill which isn't expected to be paid.

"They seem to be spending money on lawyers and suing GLWA and DWSD. We have an agreement, and they have delayed paying," Baker said. "They are a community of only 10,000 residents, so that would put them in bankruptcy. There will have to be a political

B

solution... in the meantime, the suburbs are paying for unpaid bills Highland Park isn't fully paying."

Still, Baker said the good achieved by the GLWA outweighs the bad, including capped water rates and refinanced debt. Likewise, he said increased oversight and accountability has helped to increase transparency â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reasons the memorandum of understanding had been rejected by Macomb County in the past.

"It's still a work in progress, but there's been a lot of hard work by many people, and there's greater oversight and accountability, which is a good thing," he said. "We have been able to provide more input and that has changed things that we felt weren't being addressed."

GLWA Chief Executive Officer Sue McCormick said the transformation to the GLWA has included a change in philosophy both inside and out of the authority.

"The move to GLWA has been incredible," McCormick said. "It was a city department serving the regions, and others viewed that they served others for their own benefit. We have gone from 'customer communities' to 'member partners' because we wanted to flex that operating partnership. Pipes don't know where the boundaries are. By not having any entity that has more rights than others, it gives a level playing field for asking what is the right path forward. That has been an exciting transition."

The new approach is reflected in the GLWA's motto of "We are One Water."

From a communications viewpoint, McCormick said GLWA starts by listening to its member partners â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a strategy that has been noted by those members.

"Overall, I think things are going very well," said Jeff McKeen, general manager of the Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA), which purchases water from GLWA at non-peak hours and provides it to member communities, which include Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, as well as Berkley, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Clawson, Huntington Woods, Lathrup Village, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Southfield and Southfield Township. "They continue to produce a very high quality product and the cost has been a lot better over the past few years than it has historically, and they are taking more input from communities."

McKeen said GLWA has implemented member outreach programs to gain feedback, something that didn't exist under the DWSD. One result of that outreach was GLWA's response in moving up its timing in the rate setting process to allow local municipalities additional time to set rates that residents ultimately pay.

"I specifically made that request to them," he said. "We wanted their rates set by the end of March, and they were able to do that this year."

McKeen said GLWA continues to put out a high-quality product while better keeping costs down.

"The cost has been a lot better over the past few years than historically, and they are taking a lot more input from communities."

Additionally, McKeen noted increased training efforts by the GLWA, which works with local communities to help train their public works staff, a benefit that didn't exist prior to the authority's formation.

Bloomfield Township Public Works Director Tom Trice said although the township receives water from SOCWA, the communications with GLWA have improved "big time."

"They are more responsive and get things done," he said. "If we have something we need, one, they respond. I think that reflects a lot on their CEO, Sue McCormick. She has a tough job that includes changing the whole culture from the DWSD to GLWA." Trice said improved communications includes notifying the township and SOCWA about any potential issues happening in the water delivery system, as well as involving engineers in meetings on issues that impact the township.

West Bloomfield Utilities Director Ed Haapala, who has overseen water operations for the township for 17 years, said customer outreach and water rates have improved under GLWA, although capital improvement projects will eventually drive rates up in the future.

"They are doing the best they can in respect to rates and keeping below the budget revenue requirements, and ratcheting costs down," he said. "Rates were favorable this year, but they do have a 50-year, rolling master plan that will be billions of dollars. Right now, they are in the planning stages, but when they come to bonding and construction, we are naturally going to see increases again. But they are doing a nice job of trying to balance those costs with affordability." o understand the breadth of the entire system, consider that the GLWA serves drinking water to about 3.9 million residents in 127 communities, as well as wastewater services for 87 communities. On the drinking water side, the authority operates five water treatment facilities that pump about 616 million gallons of water each day. The GLWA also operates a wastewater resource recovery facility, as well as seven related facilities. In total, the authority is responsible for 6,871 miles of water and sewer lines across 1,079 square miles. Of the nearly four million customers the GLWA serves for drinking water, more than 1.2 million are located in Oakland County, with about 850,000 in Macomb County, 1.2 million in Wayne County and 600,000 in Detroit.

From an operations standpoint, the DWSD had operated with roughly 2,000 staff. The formation of the GLWA meant that staff had to be split into two different entities.

"That was a phenomenal change in a very short period of time, that if we could have done it better, we would have with additional time. We didn't have that time, but for what

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we had to do in the time that we had to do it, I think it was pretty seamless," said GLWA Chief Operating Officer Cheryl Porter. "The intent and objective was to take one organization and make it two. We did that with what we had. That means we had to divvy up the resources to make sure that each organization was going to have a successful start, and that the leadership could take it from there and be successful."

The GLWA now employs about 1,030 total staff, up about 300 from its first year of operations in 2016. The goal is to have about 1,100 employees.

Regardless of who operates the facilities, Porter said it's a constant challenge to retain employees, such as water operators and electricians once they are trained, particularly with younger employees.

"Baby boomers were real stable. They saw the city and working for a city department as a place they were going to retire," she said. "I have been known to be the 'institute' for training water operators... I have to train them to get their licenses and make that kind of investment in them because that's the public health benefit that I'm here to ensure, but if they don't like their wages or this type of shift rather than a smaller place that has the flexibility that I don't, then they go. You're talking about a knowledge that can be applied anywhere in the country."

Porter said automation and innovation have helped to increase capacity at water treatment plants, while lowering the number of employees required. At the same time, the system has increased capacity over the years. or instance, GLWA's Water Works Park water treatment facility, on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, was completely overhauled in 2003. The plant, which provides pre-treatment to three other treatment plants in the system, has a capacity to produce 240 million gallons of drinking water per day, making it the largest plant in Michigan. However, the plant, which utilizes ozone to disinfect, rather than chlorine, only requires about three to five people each shift.

As drinking water capacity has increased, GLWA is looking to take its Northeast water treatment facility offline. While a decision isn't expected to be finalized until the fall of 2019, McCormick said the plans are part of rightsizing the system, which is currently over capacity. The plant, if closed, would be used as a booster station. Meanwhile, the system would still have the ability to expand drinking water services with four existing facilities. Picking up additional member partners is part of GLWA's long-term financial strategy.

On the wastewater side, the GLWA is able to treat about 1,740 million gallons of wastewater each day at its wastewater treatment facility, with the maximum flow on dry weather days peaking about 711 million gallons. Still, heavy rain events can lead to

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overflows of untreated wastewater into the Rouge River.

While the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner's (WRC) Office is responsible for wastewater flows in Oakland County, the GLWA and WRC, along with others, are working together to better control flows to prevent overflows â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a discussion that hadn't occurred in the past.

"The wastewater plant in Detroit is one of the biggest in the country," said Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. "We send a tremendous amount of water to them, and we work with them all the time."

The collaborations facilitated by the GLWA is an example of regionalism in southeast Michigan that is beneficial to both the city and suburbs.

As noted by Judge Avern Cohn, of the United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, the bulk of the expansion of the former DWSD system after 1956 outside of the city of Detroit ultimately allowed for the development of Oakland County. "... through the largess of the city of Detroit, Oakland County's farmland could be developed for residential and commercial uses with an assured supply of water from the city of Detroit, and an assured place to dump sewage in the city of Detroit," Avern wrote in a 2014 letter to Downtown. "As I observe the rhetoric over management of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, as well as what a fair charge is for the services it provides the county, the fact is that Oakland County, absent the city of Detroit, would still be rural."

The beginnings of Detroit's public water system, and ultimately the modern-day GLWA, stems in part from The Great Fire in June of 1805 that burned nearly all of the city's 300 buildings at the time. In fact, the seal of the City of Detroit, which can be seen on its flag, includes the depiction of the fire, along with the Latin phrase, "Resurget Cineribus," meaning "it will rise from the ashes."

In 1835, city voters approved the sale of $50,000 in bonds to purchase and update the system. Although DWSD historical accounts state natural springs located in Farmington could have been used to provide water to parts of Oakland County, the river remained the main supply of water as the system expanded. By 1850, the system consisted of 4.5 miles of 10-inch iron water mains connected to 35 miles of wood mains. By 1855, the system was pumping more than 540 million gallons of water per year, with daily consumption at less than 30 gallons per person each day. The advent of indoor plumbing and "water closets," or toilets, led to major increases in water use, with the system pumping more than five trillion gallons a year by 1880, and daily usage rising to about 100 gallons per person each day. By comparison, the United States Geological Survey

estimated in 2018 that each person uses an average of 80 to 100 gallons of water each day.

As the city's population expanded, the need for a sewer system also became apparent. A noted history of the DWSD available on the department's website noted that construction of the wastewater treatment plant first began in the 1920s, but was halted during the Great Depression, eventually entering service in 1940. xpansion efforts of the system began in the 1920s, but were halted as a result of the Great Depression. It wasn't until 1956 that former DWSD Superintendent and Chief Engineer Gerald Remus pushed for the city to fill the role of water and wastewater service provider for the metro Detroit area.

"Under his direction, the Department returned to a policy of expansion with an aggression not seen since the end of the 19th century," according to "The First 300 Years," a complete history of the DWSD. "Today's DWSD is directly attributable to him."

In Oakland County, the city of Ferndale was the first to join the water system, in 1922, joined by Lathrup Village in 1928, and Oak Park and Pleasant Ridge in 1929. Royal Oak joined the system in 1931. It wasn't until 1955 that Birmingham joined the system, followed by Bloomfield Township in 1964, and Bloomfield Hills in 1970.

Today, the GLWA is another example of regionalism that appears to be succeeding in southeast Michigan and metro Detroit.

"The mindset that 'it's mine' is old and outdated," said DWSD Director Brown. "I think some of that mindset is still there, but thankfully on the GLWA, there are six members, and we have come to recognize that what is good for Detroit is good for the suburbs, and what is good for the suburbs is good for Detroit. If we make best decisions with the interest of the system on a whole, that is best. Once you make territorial decisions and make decisions on what is in the best interest for yourself, then you're making decisions for the wrong reasons."

"If you recall, Detroit ran Cobo Hall, and then we created a regional authority and generated dollars from alcohol and hotels around the region. Now we have a beautiful facility that is well managed that everyone in the region is proud of," Brown said. "The Detroit Zoo is run with those regional dollars and the city of Detroit owns it. It's a regional concept. Then we go to the Grand Bargain and the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts), and that's a regional tax base. We are having success by showing the region that what is good for Detroit is good for the region.

"I believe eventually the people will realize the next thing to regionalize is transportation.

By having other examples in Detroit, it makes it easier for the next big hurdle. I believe it will eventually get done because of the success of other entities."

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FACES Cassie Sobelton assie Sobelton hopes to help give employees access to a healthier workplace with her second book, The Employee Wellbeing Handbook.

Her company, SynBella, has been consulting with benefit brokers and employees for the last 15 years to put a better program in practice, but she wanted to go bigger and reach more people.

“We find the majority of American businesses don’t really know what they’re doing, they don’t know how to create a healthy culture, but instead they are throwing spaghetti at the wall trying to figure it out,” said the Birmingham resident.

“The book is essentially a guideline to everything we’ve learned in our organization,” she continued.

Sobelton's desire a bigger audience wasn’t the only reason she decided to publish this book now. She said that with millennials becoming more prominent in the workplace, it’s causing a shift in how employers go about getting and keeping employees.

Millennials aren’t content with the status quo.

But it isn’t just millennials Sobelton wants to help. She wants to benefit every generation. That starts with employers really looking at their staff and what generation they fit into, and figuring out how to help with specific concerns.

For example, if a company has millennials, she suggests starting a program to help pay back student debt. If there’s lots of older people, help them figure out how to save for retirement.

“I hope that people understand that this isn’t something that’s insurmountable,” said Sobelton, who has worked in health care, insurance, and as a benefits broker.

The book – set for release in September – focuses on the workplace, as Sobelton’s first book, Back to Balance, focused on personal wellbeing, including her own.

Sobelton was working in the corporate world when she was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. After the diagnosis, and a very major surgery, she was put on a lot of different pharmaceutical pills. She asked if instead she could correct her disease through diet or lifestyle but was told she needed to stay on medicine.

Cue her going to school to become a nutritionist, health coach, yoga instructor, and diving in to learn more about stress reduction techniques.

“What I found through that process was I was able to move myself slowly off of all my meds,” she said. “It’s been about 15 years and I’ve had no problems.”

Others asked her advice, and soon Sobelton was having this type of conversation multiple times a week. That’s when she decided to write a book about it. She does emphasis that her road map to wellness might not be the same for everyone else – and that’s ok.

Another important factor is knowing up front it’s going to take some time to build healthier, more holistic practices. She said she tried a lot of different things that didn’t work before landing on what did, like her daily yoga practice and creating her surroundings to be successful.

Being able to admit her faults and that she isn’t perfect isn’t something all nutritionists or health coaches are willing to do.

Sobelton isn’t typical though.

“Eighty percent of the time I do what’s right, I eat perfectly, I work my body perfectly, I do stress-reduction,” she said. “But 20 percent of the time I goof off, and I think we all need to be able to do that and expose that to others so that we feel more relatable to them.”

Turns out some people do actually practice what they preach.

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Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

INTRODUCING THE BLOOMFIELD COLLECTION O M O D E R N A R T S & C R A F T S H O M E S B U I LT F O R A B E A U T I F U L L I F E a±ųĩ eÚĬåų BŅĵåŸ ĜŸ Ïųå±ƋĜĹč ŅĹåěŅüě±ěĩĜĹÚ ÏƚŸƋŅĵ ĘŅĵåŸØ ƵĘĜÏĘ ÏĬåƴåųĬƼ ųåĜĵ±čĜĹå ƋĘå eųƋŸ ±ĹÚ ų±üƋŸ ŸƋƼĬå ƵĜƋĘ ± ÏŅĹƋåĵŞŅų±ųƼ ā±Ĝųţ Ęå ƚĹĜŧƚå ĬŅŅĵĀåĬÚ ŅĬĬåÏƋĜŅĹ ĘŅĵåŸ ±ųå üųåŸĘØ ĬĜčĘƋ ±ĹÚ ŅŞåĹţ å ʱƴå ĘŅĵåŸ ĹŅƵ ƚĹÚåų ÏŅĹŸƋųƚÏƋĜŅĹØ Ņų ÏĘŅŅŸå üųŅĵ Ÿåƴåų±Ĭ ŅƋĘåų ŞųåĵĜƚĵ ÏƚŸƋŅĵ ÆƚĜĬÚ ĬŅƋŸţ eĬĬ Ņƚų ŞåųŸŅűĬĬƼ ŸåĬåÏƋåÚ ŸĜƋåŸ ±ųå ĬŅϱƋåÚ ĜĹ ĘĜčĘĬƼ Ƶ±Ĭĩ±ÆĬå ĹåĜčĘÆŅųĘŅŅÚŸØ Ĺå±ų ƋĘå ÆƚŸƋĬĜĹč ĜĹƋåųŸåÏƋĜŅĹ Ņü a±ŞĬå ±ĹÚ X±ŸĘåų Ņ±ÚŸ ƵĜƋĘ ĜųĵĜĹčʱĵ ŸÏĘŅŅĬŸţ a±ųĩ eÚĬåų BŅĵåŸű ĬŅŅĵĀåĬÚ ŅĬĬåÏƋĜŅĹØ üå±ƋƚųĜĹč ʱĹÚÏų±üƋåÚ ±ųƋĜŸ±Ĺ ÚåƋ±ĜĬŸ ±ĹÚ ĘĜčĘěåĹÚ ±ŞŞŅĜĹƋĵåĹƋŸØ ±ųå ųåĵ±ųĩ±ÆĬƼ ŞųĜÏåÚ üųŅĵ âŎ ĵĜĬĬĜŅĹţ

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MUNICIPAL City election mailer complaint dismissed

By Lisa Brody

A campaign election complaint filed Monday, July 8 by Birmingham resident Clinton Baller with the Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections alleging the city of Birmingham had violated state campaign laws by using public tax dollars to advocate for passage of the August parking bond ballot issue in a city-produced printed piece clarifying mistruths perpetuated by opponents of the parking bond proposal has been dismissed by state officials.

In a letter Friday, July 12, from the bureau of elections, Michigan Department of State election law specialist Adam Fracassi responded to Baller, stating that none of the city of Birmingham's communication advocated for a vote, thereby not violating the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA), and “Therefore, the department dismisses your complaint.”

Specifically, Fracassi explained that “The MCFA excludes from the definition of an expenditure any communication from the Act’s reach unless it contains words of express advocacy that specifically urges voters to “vote yes,” “vote no,” “elect,” “defeat,” “support,” or “oppose” a ballot question, using these or equivalent words and phrases.”

In Baller's complaint he alleged that by the city utilizing taxpayer funds to produce and mail a piece entitled “Get The Facts” – in which the city states it is correcting mischaracterizations and mistruths being perpetuated by opponents of the ballot question – it is seeking to influence the electorate. There are two groups, Balance for Birmingham and Citizens for Responsible Government, working against the ballot issue.

According to the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, Section 169.257 states, “It is the policy of this state that a public body shall maintain strict neutrality in each election and that a public body or a person acting on behalf of a public body shall not attempt to influence the outcome of an election held in the state.”

The Birmingham piece, reportedly reviewed by legal counsel prior to it being mailed this past week, is straightforward and informational, outlining what the newsletter calls “myths” and “facts” about the downtownpublications.com

RFP for owner's representative issued orking in preparation if Birmingham residents approve a bond proposal on August 6 to permit the city to issue up to $57.4 million in general obligation bonds to demolish and reconstruct a new N. Old Woodward parking garage, city commissioners on Monday, July 1, unanimously approved issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for an owner's representative to provide professional services to oversee all of the work involved in the project.

Assistant city manager Tiffany Gunter explained they would like to move forward issuing the RFP “knowing we would not make a final commitment until well after August 6 – probably not until the third or fourth week of August. It's to begin the pre-construction phase of the Woodward Bates project, so this way we would have someone on board.”

An owner's representative or project manager is typically a third party who is hired by the owner of a project to represent them during site selection, design and construction phases, as well as relocation, if that is relevant. The goal is to have a knowledgeable person on site every day looking out for the city's interest, from all aspects, including financial.

Commissioners confirmed with Gunter that anyone selected during the RFP process would not be contracted unless the city goes forward with the project.

Commissioners approved issuing the RFP, 6-0, with commissioner Mark Nickita not in attendance.

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proposed new parking structure.

The bureau of elections, citing MCFA, determined the city's piece was acceptable because it never urged voters to “vote yes,” “vote no,” “elect,” “defeat,” “support,” or “oppose” the ballot proposal “using these or equivalent words and phrases.”

Fracassi said the department may only consider the actual text of the communication, and not any broader context, citing precedence, or in essence, how a reader may interpret it in reference to other election materials or from the reader's point of view.

“The Department has carefully reviewed all the evidence that you included with your complaint,” the letter to Baller continued. “There are no directives in the mailer urging voters to 'vote for, 'vote against,' 'defeat,' 'support,' or 'oppose' the millage. Nor are there any equivalent words or phrases. Without words of express advocacy contained within the text of the document itself, the mailer due to be sent out is exempt from the definition of “expenditure” in the MCFA, and therefore outside of the Act’s reach.”

The city's informational newsletter reached homes of residents on Friday and Saturday of last week.

This is not the first time Baller has tried to intercede with the bond proposal vote after Birmingham city commissioners approved a resolution

to put a parking structure bond proposal in the amount of $57.4 million before voters on the August 6 election at their meeting on May 6, in order to secure financing for demolition and rebuilding of a new parking structure to replace the N. Old Woodward structure and an extension of Bates Street, the first phase of what is known as the Woodward Bates project. On June 12, the city's ethics board heard – and unanimously dismissed – two complaints from Baller against city manager Joe Valentine and mayor Patty Bordman, over their involvement with winning bids and proposals for the new N. Old Woodward Bates project which will involve several mixed use buildings, including an adjacent RH (Restoration Hardware) building.

Baller, representing the Balance For Birmingham Group, and Brad Host, who heads up the Citizens for Responsible Government political action group, were also the subject of a formal complaint this past week filed by a Birmingham resident with the Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections, alleging the two citizen groups have violated election law with some of their printed literature because they did not adhere to election law requiring specific language and information that must appear on all election material.

If Baller and/or Host are found to be in violation of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, section

DOWNTOWN

169.247, they would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by not more than $1,000 or imprisonment by not more than 93 days, or both.

The vote on August 6 is to permit the city to obtain up to $57.4 million in general obligation bonds – a municipality is required by state law to receive approval of its voters before obtaining such bonds. Birmingham chose general obligation bonds because that has been the past practice when financing parking structures in the city and interest rates are marginally lower than revenue bonds, which do not require a vote. The general obligation bonds will be retired with city parking fund reserves and revenues from the parking system.

If the parking bond vote fails, the whole project will be dead, according to city officials, including the proposed RH building.

Baller warned for campaign violation

By Lisa Brody

The Michigan Secretary of State's office found Clinton Baller and his political action committee (PAC), Balance for Birmingham, has violated MCL 169.247 of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA) by failing to include a complete and correct identification statement on certain campaignrelated materials opposing the August ballot issue on bonds for a new Birmingham parking structure, but dismissed without prejudice a complaint against Brad Host and Citizens for Responsible Government, as the images supplied of the presumed items in violation were illegible.

Birmingham resident Jay Shell filed the two complaints with the Secretary of State's office on Monday, July 8. In Shell's complaint against Balance For Birmingham, he explained the filing was due to the failure of a four-page mailer to residents of Birmingham to contain the required phrase “with regulated funds.”

Adam Fracassi, election law specialist, Bureau of Elections, Michigan Department of State, informed Baller, in response to Shell's complaint, on Tuesday, July 16, “'Upon review, the evidence submitted supports the conclusion that a potential violation of the Act has occurred… The mailer specifically urges voters to “VOTE NO, and tell Birmingham to start 51

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08.19

MUNICIPAL

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over, and do it right.' Because it urges voters to vote against the passage of a ballot question using words of express advocacy, the flyer is covered by the gambit of the Act and must include the paid for by statement outlined… Although the mailer contains a paid for by statement, the phrase “with regulated funds” has been omitted entirely. Since this phrase is absent, the evidence supports the conclusion that a potential violation has occurred.”

A violation of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, section 169.247 is a misdemeanor, and Baller could have received a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to 93 days, or both. However Fracassi wrote that “the Department concludes that a formal warning is a sufficient resolution to the complaint and is hereby advising you that MCL 169.247(1) and R 169.36(2) require you to print a complete and accurate identification statement on all campaign materials, consisting of the phrase 'paid for by' followed by the full name and address of your committee and the phrase 'with regulated funds.'”

In his second complaint, Shell stated that lawns signs dispersed by Citizens For Responsible Government stating “Vote NO August 6 special election ” failed to contain the required phrase “with regulated funds,” nor did they state “Paid for by,” or the person who is paying for the sign, which are violations of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act. However Fracassi, responding to Shell on Tuesday, July 16, said that “the statement at the bottom of the yard sign is illegible... because that text is illegible, the Department cannot make a determination as to whether it is a paid for by statement that complies with the Act.” Fracassi said in his letter a clearer image could be resubmitted with Shell's complaint.

This is not the first time Baller has tried to intercede with the bond proposal vote after Birmingham city commissioners approved a resolution to put a parking structure bond proposal in the amount of $57.4 million before voters on the August 6 election at their meeting on May 6, in order to secure financing for demolition and rebuilding of a new parking structure to replace the N. Old Woodward structure and an extension of Bates Street, the first phase of what is known as the Woodward Bates project. On June downtownpublications.com

12, the city's ethics board heard – and unanimously dismissed – two complaints from Baller against city manager Joe Valentine and mayor Patty Bordman, over their involvement with winning bids and proposals for the new N. Old Woodward Bates project which will involve several mixed use buildings, including an adjacent RH (Restoration Hardware) building.

Baller had also filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of State Bureau of Elections alleging the city of Birmingham had violated state campaign laws by using public tax dollars to advocate for passage of the August parking bond ballot issue in a city-produced printed piece clarifying mistruths perpetuated by opponents of the parking bond proposal, which was dismissed by the state on Friday, July 12. In its dismissal, Fracassi wrote Baller that none of the city of Birmingham's communication advocated for a vote, thereby not violating the MCFA. The vote on August 6 is to permit the city to obtain up to $57.4 million in general obligation bonds – a municipality is required by state law to receive approval of its voters before obtaining such bonds.

Birmingham chose general obligation bonds because that has been the past practice when financing parking structures in the city and interest rates are marginally lower than revenue bonds, which do not require a vote. The general obligation bonds will be retired with city parking fund reserves and revenues from the parking system.

If the parking bond vote fails, the whole project will be dead, according to city officials, including the proposed RH building, as they do not anticipate re-opening the bidding process.

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City manager Joe Valentine prefaced the discussion by stating the document is preliminary, for form and structure as well as detail, and that economic terms of the site were still

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08.19

Commissioners weigh in on master plan

By Lisa Brody

being finalized. The building is to front N. Old Woodward right in front of the proposed new parking garage.

The draft of the ground lease was only for this building, and not for potential future buildings on the site.

Mayor Patty Bordman said she had to emphasize “that it is not the city who is engaged with RH – it is Woodward Bates (development group), who has found a tenant for a building.

It's not our tenant.”

Joe Fazio of Miller Canfield, development counsel, said he had presented commissioners with a preliminary working draft. “We don't have the economics. They're still a tenant being debated, figured out, and time lines are being worked out.”

Fazio said a ground lease is a unique document because “there is a legal fiction that you can separate the land from the building atop it. The city will own the land – we are not at risk for any financial risks. The developers (Woodward Bates) will own the building atop, and any vertical improvements they add during construction.

“Upon termination of the ground lease, the city becomes owner of the building and all vertical improvements,” he said. “Ground leases have been used for centuries.”

By Birmingham city charter, the city cannot sell any public land without a vote of its residents.

“So we're not giving away the land,” Bordman clarified for some members of the public.

“You're not giving away the land,” Fazio emphasized. “If they are not paying the rent, you can kick them off and take possession.”

He said that lease hold financing assures the city will get its rent, and that rents are payable no matter what – “if the building burns down, they pay you rent. If there's only dirt, it's called 'hell or high water rent.' It is not secured by the city's ownership of the land.”

Permissible uses on the property are reserved for what is in compliance with the city's zoning.

Fazio said the lease protects the city. “Once they start construction, there will be assurance they complete the project, so you're not left with a partially-constructed building,” he said.

Because the property is currently zoned public property and has never been on Oakland County's assessment rolls, an agent from Jones Lang LaSalle said they are currently looking at comparables for 100-year leases, in Detroit, and in Columbus, Ohio. She recommended the city have the site appraised.

“If the sub-tenant at some point vacates the building, is there a requirement the tenant find another subtenant?” Bordman asked.

Fazio said no, but there was enough debt that they would want to.

“That's how you get a Kmart building (on Big Beaver in Troy), when the rent is getting paid,” Bordman responded. “But we're a city.”

She was also concerned if, once the property is substantially completed, to make sure the developer could not assign their interest to another third party.

Fazio said he was taking the input and concerns back for further drafts.

Sidecar Slider Bar grows into Rojo space Sidecar Slider Bar was unanimously approved at the Birmingham city commission meeting on Monday, June 24, to take some of the space from adjacent Mexican restaurant Rojo in order for it to expand its seating.

Sidecar Slider Bar and Rojo, 250 and 280 E. Merrill Street in downtown Birmingham, are both owned by Stephen Simon, and share a Class C liquor license and kitchen. By city ordinance, in order to change the configuration of the two restaurants, Simon had to request a special land use permit amendment.

Planning director Jana Ecker explained that there is a wall between the two restaurants. Sidecar is long and narrow, she explained, with Rojo a larger restaurant. While the exterior walls would stay the same, the wall between the two spaces would shorten, allowing more tables and chairs to be added to the Sidecar space.

“The kitchen and restrooms stay the same,” Ecker said. “The outdoor dining stays,” although Sidecar will add to its outdoor seating, from 12 current outdoor seats to 36, while Rojo will drop from 22 outdoor seats to eight, for a total of 44, up from 34.

Indoors, the expansion will add 50 new floor seats, in the form of five booths and seven tables, as well as six new bar seats, to Sidecar, while subtracting 48 seats from Rojo. There are a current total of 220 seats between the two restaurants; there will be 223 when the renovation is complete.

“The menus will stay the same in both places,” Simon said. “We're just trying to make Sidecar more familyfriendly and even out the seating.”

Commissioners approved the request, 6-0, with commissioner Andy Harris absent.

A

s part of the Birmingham Master Plan 2040 charrette summary and update, city commissioners reviewed the process so far and provided input to plan developers at their meeting on Monday, July 8.

A series of charrettes were held in mid-May to gather input from residents, followed by another set of open houses this past week. The new master plan is primarily focused on the city's neighborhoods and their integration within the city.

In December 2018, the city commission chose DPZ Partners, LLC, to provide professional services to prepare an update to the city's comprehensive master plan. The group led by DPZ was recommended to the commission by the ad hoc master plan selection committee after interviewing and hearing formal presentations from DPZ of Miami, formerly known as Duany Plater-Zybeck, and MKSK of Columbus.

DPZ, known then as Duany Plater-Zybeck, helmed by master urban planner and designer Andres Duany, created the city's 2016 Plan in 1996, focused on the city's core downtown. This citywide master plan will focus on the neighborhoods, residents, and how they work with one another, parks, downtown, transportation and other issues, as the 2016 Plan focused on the downtown area. This is the first citywide master plan since 1980.

Matt Lambert, partner at DPZ and project manager for the master plan process, informed commissioners that “at this point we haven't begun drafting the master plan. The goal we're setting for the first plan is you to review it the end of September.”

He said a second resident survey has opened on the website thebirminghamplan.com, and they are asking the public for input on each specific proposal presented at a preliminary presentation of the master plan in May. “The tab 'participate' has the link to the survey,” he said. He noted this survey is longer than the prior one.

“It's taking people about 25 minutes to complete because we're asking for comments on each aspect,” he said.

As he and his team were meeting with the public this week in July, he said a lot of people were talking about cut-through traffic in neighborhoods, “which wasn't addressed with the charrette process, and we need to add that.”

Commissioner Carroll DeWeese pointed out a note about having a meeting place built at Barnum Park, “but we have a meeting place – The Community House. You may want to talk to with The Community House, the library. It's more important to have a place that is central to everyone.”

Commissioner Rackeline Hoff commented about neighborhood parking, and a recommendation to simplify the parking zone code.

“One of your suggestions is to just have three conditions – but how would that be enforced?” she asked. “It's no good to come up with ideas that can't be enforced.”

Commissioner Mark Nickita had a laundry list of recommendations to have incorporated, from refining lot combinations, to refining sides of streets in areas of the retail zone, and defining and strengthening the linkages between the assets that are already there. He also recommended the master plan incorporate long-term and short-term goals, as the 2016 Plan had.

“These are things that helped us implement gains, and some were low-hanging fruits – they were easy to get implemented,” he said.

“One of the concerns I have, and that many, many people mention to me, is the character of the neighborhoods,” said mayor Patty Bordman. “I was hoping to see some mention in the master plan on how the neighborhoods are developing, either by ordinance or planning.”

Lambert said it had been a “bit of a conundrum...it was 50-50.

Some people worried about changes in neighborhoods, and others not. In the charrettes, people only wanted to talk about affordability.”

Lambert said the current time line to produce the drafts of the master plan has them presenting the first draft to the city commission on Monday, September 23; the second draft on Monday, January 13; and the final plan by mid-February.

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MUNICIPAL City donation policy requires pre-approval

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners, concerned with the creation of a non-profit organization designed to accept private contributions to the city's public safety department, updated the city's donation policy at their meeting on Tuesday, July 9, to require all such gifts be approved by the city manager or city commission.

The commission in June spoke with public safety director Noel Clason and officer Christopher Furlong about the formation of the Friends of Bloomfield Hills Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization set up to accept donations on behalf of the public safety department.

While the organization's creation was several years in the making, commissioners had only recently learned of the organization in a monthly update to council from Bloomfield Hills City Manager David Hendrickson.

Furlong, who put in much of the effort to form the organization, said he did so at a suggestion he received from a teacher at a grant writing school he attended who recommended the formation of a non-profit, as the city fails to meet the financial requirements of many grant projects. However, city commissioners voiced concerns about the organization, as it could give the appearance of conflict of interests in those overseeing it and where the funds are deposited, even if an actual legal conflict didn't exist.

Commissioners also expressed consternation about the formation of the organization without their knowledge or consent.

"I think everyone's intentions were good, but I think this is a good policy," commissioner Sarah McClure said about the organization and subsequent donation policy. "I think this policy clarifies everything and puts us in the best practices area. ...

This is what the county does so that any gift, not just to public safety, but any gift will be listed in the (commission) packet. I know the county does that for anything over $1."

The city's policy, which was unanimously approved by commissioners, requires that all "donations, contributions and/or gifts of cash, equipment and/or other property or services" with a value of $1,000 or less be accepted only for downtownpublications.com

Drop in rate saves township $2.6 million

By Kevin Elliott

A

drop in interest rates will save Bloomfield Township about $2.6 million, as the board of trustees on Monday, June 24, authorized refunding more than $44 million in pension bonds that had been issued in 2013.

Laura Bassett, an attorney with Dickinson Wright, said state law requires the township to refund and reissue the bonds if a savings can be achieved, which she said the lower interest rates will do "quite nicely."

Currently, the township has an outstanding debt of about $44.25 million related to general obligation limited tax pension obligation bonds that were issued in 2013. Those bonds were issued to finance unfunded pension liability of the township's defined benefit pension plan. The plan has been closed to all new hires since 2005 and was replaced with a lower cost defined benefit contribution plan for new hires.

The previous plan was established in 1961 to set aside funds to provide retirement benefits for qualifying full-time employees and their families. Chronically low interest rate returns and poor equity investment returns were two of the main reasons for steep increases to the annual cost of the previous defined benefit plan, with annual contributions increasing from about $3.2 million in 2003 to $10.7 million in 2013.

In 2013, the township took advantage of a new state law that allowed the township to issue bonds to finance the unfunded portion of the defined benefit pension plan. The bond issuance thus allowed the township to lower the annual cost to finance the pension liability by about $3 million each year, or nearly $60 million over 20 years.

Lou Orcutt, managing director with Hilltop Securities, said the original bonds were financed at an interest rate of 4.5 percent, while the current interest rate is about 2.76 percent. The actual rate won't be realized until the day the bonds are issued.

The total amount of the bonds will be about $49.7 million, with the board approving an amount not to exceed $50 million.

Trustee David Buckley questioned why the amount of the new bonds will be higher than the existing liability of about $44.25 million.

Orcutt said the amount of the new bonds will be higher than the older bonds because the existing bonds aren't callable until 2023. Therefore, the township will need to borrow enough to make payments on the bonds until 2023. However, he said even with the additional funds, the township will realize a savings, which is required by state law in order to proceed with the action.

The board voted 6-0 to approve the action, with trustee Dani Walsh absent.

public purpose and are approved for acceptance and receipt by the city manager. Such donations with a value greater than $1,000 must be referred to the city commission by the city manager. In cases where the value is unknown or in question, the city manager is to forward the issue to the city commission for a final decision.

The policy requires that all donations are for "public purpose," and that the city not be obligated to accept any proposed donation. Other factors in the acceptance of a donation include a determination of whether it would require any future expenditures by the city, such as maintenance, insurance or other costs. The city shall not accept

donations that are used for the purpose of paying city employee overtime, wages and/or benefits, or those that impact any matters provided for in collective bargaining agreements between the city and employees.

While the policy doesn't expressly prohibit the existence of the creation of the Friends of Bloomfield Hills foundation, it effectively prohibits the ability to accept donations on behalf of the public safety department, as well as any other such organizations.

"I think with this we are just having the highest ethical standards and transparency that makes it clear and easy to understand," city commissioner William Hosler said.

DOWNTOWN

Soul Cycle headed to Bloomfield Township

By Lisa Brody

New York fitness-based company Soul Cycle will be opening an outpost of its indoor cycling workout studio for exercise aficionados in the Bloomfield Medical Village on Telegraph just north of Maple Road in Bloomfield Township.

The company, which bills itself as “more than a workout – it's an experience,” has a devoted fitness following at its studios around the country, from New York City, California, Chicago to Florida. This will be Soul Cycle's first Michigan location, at 6405 Telegraph Road.

Plans submitted to the township's design review board, which met Wednesday, July 3, indicate that Soul Cycle will occupy a newly-built building in the front of the medical plaza, after two existing buildings are demolished and rebuilt into an approximate 3,000square-foot new Soul Cycle studio, with plans to open in 2020. Also occupying the plaza are physician, chiropractic and dental offices, as well as Equilibrium Pilates studio. Soul Cycle is leasing the space from the Barbat Organization, which owns Bloomfield Medical Village.

Baldwin Library Youth Services expansion The contract with The Dailey Company to expand and renovate the Baldwin Public Library's Youth Services area was unanimously approved by the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, June 24, for no more than $1.9 million.

The Dailey Company also performed the first phase renovation of the Adult Services area of the library in 2016 and 2017. The Youth Services renovation and expansion is the second phase of a threepart renovation of the library, with phase three anticipated to be for the circulation department, to redo the front entrance, and possibly add a small cafe.

A request for proposal (RFP) for this renovation was sent out February 27, 2019, with detailed plans and specifications having been previously reviewed and approved by the city's building department staff for construction, building official Bruce Johnson wrote in a memo. Five contractors submitted bids by the April 17 deadline, he said, with two firms qualifying.

Of the two qualified firms, The Dailey Company was the most responsive and had the best price, he said.

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Carly Mark arly Mark is currently busier than she’s ever been and loving every minute of it.

“I’ve always been a hard worker but this is more work than I’ve ever experienced, which I really like,” Mark said. “I like working in that place where you just don’t have time to do anything else. We’re two months to the show and I’m still having dreams about how to execute the runway show, where to have it...it’s very high energy.”

Mark is currently working on season two of her fashion line, Puppets and Puppets, which has an origin story as interesting as the line itself.

Mark – who is also a fine artist – had been working on garments for sculptures with Ayla Argentina. Then, about six months before February’s New York Fashion Week, they created custom pieces for a magazine cover shoot for talent who was supposed to wear them.

Last minute, the talent pulled out.

“When the talent pulled out, we were like, ok, what do we do with these garments?” said Mark, who attended Cranbrook from sixth through 12th grade. “Let’s just go ahead and make an entire collection.”

So they did – leading to a show during February’s NYFW. Up until then, Mark had been focused on sculpture and video work, although she noted at heart, she’s a painter. Painting was also a departing point for her art, especially her series focused on Haribo Gold Bears, which featured a video with comedian Eric Wareheim.

“I work with any medium to get the point across,” said Mark, who also likes to provoke a little with her pieces, especially her sculptural works.

But after creating the first fashion line, she and Argentina realized they enjoyed the pace and structure of it, and decided to go all-in on Puppets and Puppets, named after Mark’s chihuahua.

C

“We always say it’s his brand, not ours,” she laughed.

Much like her previous works, her clothes are quite eclectic, full of patterns and colors, and they aren’t afraid to mix and match. Puppets and Puppets also focuses on sustainable design, an important aspect for her and Argentina.

Mark said their second line is a bit more decadent – and features a more focused palette – than last season, but is still dedicated to sustainability. They often repurpose or give new life to vintage materials they find.

“People have called the clothing whimsical. This will still be in that realm,” Mark said. “It’s going to be really fun, a bit funky. It’s very us, but it’s going to be like a level up. We really hope to surprise people.”

It won’t surprise people to know she’s creating clothes, though. Mark said she’s been interested in fashion since a very young age. Her mom would find her drawing dresses in her room. When she originally came to New York, she had thought about going directly into the business – she had a few fashion internships – but found it too corporate. Now, she says, there is more room for young designers to turn the fashion world upside down with more of a focus on sustainability.

Out of everything she’s created, Mark said the clothing line is probably what she’s most proud of. She plans to stay in fashion for a while now.

“It’s like you’re making objects. You’re making things that are sculptural, you’re making things that exist on a body...then you’re putting it into motion when you organize the runway shows,” she explained. “To me, the fashion stuff is all-encompassing and I really love that.”

Story: Dana Casadei

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www. johnapap.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Top Producing Agent

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Bloomfield Village - $999,900

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Lynn.Wiand@ChemicalBank.com

248-228-4805 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084

Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com

www. johnapap.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Top Producing Agent

470 N Cranbrook Road

559 N Cranbrook Road

Bloomfield Village - $1,149,000 co-listor Mark Kallis

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887 Redding Road

Birmingham - $1,195,000

Birmingham - $1,195,000

Paula Myhrer |

Paula strives to be completely open and accessible to her clients. Her dedication and love for her job ensure a great experience throughout the whole process.

248-961-4323 | pmyhrer@signaturesothebys.com

32900 5 Mile Road Livonia - 8,948 Sq Ft - $825,000 co-listor Mark Kallis

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FACES

Andrea Bogart ndrea Bogart was always a creative. What she didn’t expect was a love for the business side of it as well.

“It was fascinating because I didn’t know I could do it, I didn’t know I would love it, which is really strange as an artist,” said Bogart, who runs Detroit Art & Business Institute and Embrace Creatives. “I kind of enjoyed the data, the research, the spreadsheets, the organization, and I was able to marry both sides of my brain.”

Her first foray into business came when she was in New York, where she attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, long before she would come home and start DABI and Embrace Creatives.

While working in the fashion industry as an executive for Isaac Mizrahi and Perry Ellis, Bogart – who is an illustrator, but has worked in many different mediums – dove head-first into the business end of wholesale fashion.

It was when she was doing trunk sales selling jewelry that the idea of coaching artists about professional development and business strategies was born, areas she discovered few artists knew much about.

“It felt really good to educate them, see them succeed, even through small steps, and empowering them, bring them confidence and clarity, which a lot of us don’t have outside of our studio,” she said.

Bogart moved back to Michigan – she’s lived in Birmingham for four years – launching DABI and teaching workshops at the Detroit Artists Market.

How were those first workshops?

“Scary, great…I am not used to having 40 eyes on me,” she laughed.

“But I find once I get into it, it’s not about me anymore, it’s not about me being scared, I’m pushing through that fear and I’m like hey, if I don’t do this, I can’t help people.

“What I’m trying to do is teach artists that this is a business relationship,” she continued. “This is not just creativity.”

A

Bogart knows not everyone has the time to meet in-person – she also does speaking engagements and one-on-one sessions – so she also offers online workshops and webinars.

After DABI was established, Bogart founded Embrace Creatives allowing artists to get in touch with professional art buyers. “It’s a safe space where you can be with people who get you.”

It’s a one-stop shop for both emerging and professional artists, where they can upload things like resumes, artist statements, and portfolios.

To say Bogart is busy would be a vast understatement.

Currently, she’s working with municipalities in Wayne and Oakland counties to bring creative, professional development to their cities, and talking with people in Battle Creek to bring DABI and Embrace Creatives there. She’s working on bringing a wholesale show for handmade items – fine art, crafts, and fashion – that Bogart is hoping to do next year. There’s also the A-List, a talent directory she’s building for Embrace Creatives, which will be based on artists’ creativity, craftsmanship, and professionalism, with artists ranked based on those three things. Oh, and Embrace Creatives curates two art galleries at Lawrence Technological University’s Detroit Center for Design + Technology, where Bogart is working on setting up a portfolio review for artists this fall.

Bogart would love to eventually hire educators to teach her courses around the region too, and hopes to one day have different Embrace Creatives hubs in across the country.

Her most ambitious goal though? Global domination. Kidding, kind of.

“I would love to franchise across the country to teach people how to profit from their passion,” she said.

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

AMY ZIMMER , ASSOCIATE BROKER TIFFANY GLIME , REALTOR

KEVIN CONWAY

Amy c. +1 248 469 6430 azimmer@hallandhunter.com Tiffany c. +1 248 930 5656 tglime@hallandhunter.com

REALTOR c. +1 248 330 3324 kconway@hallandhunter.com

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Pinecrest floor plan. 3 fireplaces. 3 balconies/decks. Private courtyard. Remodeled kitchen with expansive view. 1st floor laundry. Baths fully remodeled in 2016. Finished walkout lower level.

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FACES

Steve Reifman emories may have gotten a little hazy since the 1970s for Oakland County attorney Steve Reifman, but luckily for him, he kept a journal of his travels across parts of Europe, Africa and India along what became known as the "hippie trail."

"I wrote it as I traveled, and when I started traveling I didn't know how long I would go," Reifman said, explaining the origins of his book, Wanderer: The Ultimate Hippy [sic] Trail Journey. "I applied for law school at UC Berkeley, and I had mediocre grades. I thought, 'If I don't get in, I'm going to hit the highway.'"

Not really knowing where he was going, Reifman said he had $27 and some sketchy instructions on how to travel from Istanbul to Katmandu.

There were other stops before and along the way, but the route was similar to that of other hippies, and beatniks before them. The goal was to travel as cheaply as possible, and interact with local populations along the way.

"A friend gave me sort of instructions ... it told where to get visas. I had that with me, but I went all over Europe. I didn't know what I was going to do next. I hitchhiked across North Africa. I had some incredible adventures."

All along the way, Reifman logged his adventures into his journal. While he transcribed some of them to digital format, the novel didn't take shape until he met F.T. Burke, who had written The Bohemian Adventure, a tale about touring with the Grateful Dead.

"I had almost two handwritten journals, and Fred really helped, and out of that we got the whole journal typed in and made it into chapters,"

M

Reifman said. "It's like my brain on a skillet. I wasn't hiding anything. Also, doing it 40 years later makes it easier to tell."

From there, Burke took the notes and turned it into a fictionalized travel adventure about a bushy-haired hippie named Woodstock who wanders the world in search of his soul, and finds the type of drug-addled, free-loving adventures you might expect, which ultimately led him to God, back home and to a more traditional life.

"I worked with Fred and he turned out a chapter a week for about 20 weeks," Reifman said. "He churned it out, and we did a creative process that was like birthing a baby every chapter. He went through the trouble of turning the document into a story in a way that only my friend Fred can do. There was analysis of the people and places and happenings, but he added some spicy elements to make it more fun to read."

The process of working together forced Reifman to recall some details of the trip to make sure the timing and locations stayed accurate. In addition to the journals, the duo dug through letters Reifman had written, old notes and items and paraphernalia collected along the way.

"The thing I love about the book is that it took my knowledge and it's an actual journey that I traveled â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every element of it, whether on a bus or train or hitchhiking," Reifman said. "There are a few things that happened where we had to take novelist privilege, but I didn't censor him. It was his novel, but I did enforce reality, in terms of place and travel."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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74

DOWNTOWN

08.19

PLACES TO EAT

Go To Our Website For

Outside Seating Available

DELIVERY

The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

Adachi: Asian. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only.

Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.758.1221.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield

downtownpublications.com

Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9766.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.9400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609.

Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian. Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. No Liquor. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.885.8631.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.5800.

La Strada Dolci e Caffe: Italian.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0492.

DOWNTOWN

Always Taking Reservations For Dine-In

DINE-IN/CARRY-OUT/CATERING

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Includes Cole Slaw, Fries & A Fountain Drink Dine in only. No coupon needed.

Limited Time Offer. Excludes other specials.

Your order of DT $35.95 or more

Your order of $69.95 or more

DT

Carry-out or Dine In Order

Party Trays or Carry-Out Order

No digital coupons accepted. Excludes all other offers. With this coupon. Present coupon when ordering. Exp. 8/30/19.

No digital coupons accepted. Excludes all other offers. With this coupon. Present coupon when ordering. Exp. 8/30/19.

6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza 248.932.0800 | stevesdeli.com

75

BIRMINGHAM

FARMERS

2019

MARKET SUNDAYs

9 a.m.-2 p.M.

Special EvEnts:

CORN FESTIVAL

Contact Jessie Miller Special Events Director | 586.944.8222 jemiller@aegpresents.com | www.romtlive.com

Sun, AUg 11

Harvest FEST Sun, Sept 15

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

End of SeasOn CelEbration Sun, Oct 27

6 6 0 N . O l d Wo O Dwa r D

Join Us SuNdayS thrU OcT. 27TH

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601

SPONsORS Bank of ANN arbOR BloOmfieLd HIlLs DentaL ASsociAteS Caruso CARUSO • CIBC • DOGTOPIA Forest and PhoeNicIa REstAurAnT LuigI BrUnI Luxe Bar & GRilL and SALvAtore scalLOpinI Najor COmpAnies • PowEr HOme REModEling PrimI pIatTI • RenEwal by ANderson

MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN P

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Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707.

Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing.

No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960.

Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966.

Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876 Red Olive: Middle Eastern/American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.7767.

Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

downtownpublications.com

280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.3887.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.731.7066.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.7688.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.0500.

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Vinotecca: European. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

Village Coney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams.

Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964.

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

Zao Jun: Asian. Lunch Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.206.7510.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500.

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 28028 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101.

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.591.5459.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

DOWNTOWN

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300.

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888.

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.7300.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831.

Cantoro Italian Trattoria: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy 48083.

248.817.2424.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.853.6600.

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400.

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian.

Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch,

77

METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Fine dining reimagined Even though Pernoi – 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, in the former home of Cafe Via – will be the eleventh restaurant Chef Luciano DelSignore has opened, that doesn’t mean he’s any less excited. “Building what we created is fun – but it’s more fun to operate what we created,” said DelSignore, owner of Bacco in Southfield, who partnered with Chef Takashi Yagihashi on Pernoi. “Getting to the finish line is great.” Once they do open – they are shooting for mid-August – guests can expect a contemporary, modern, finedining experience. The space itself will have two concepts, brought together by menus full of French, Italian, and Japanese flavors, like saffron capellini with caviar, a dish that proved popular at pop-ups they have hosted around town. On one side will be an a la carte menu, with prices ranging from $10-$40, and a come-as-you-are casual setting. The other will have a multiple-course tasting menu – currently set at nine – that will be reservation only and have a dress code. DelSignore said the menus will change weekly, with plans to use some of the best ingredients in the world.

Lobster bake goes local Now through August 11, the menu and decor at Hazel, Ravines and Downtown – 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham – will have an East Coast vibe.

HRD’s Lobster Pound will bring a taste of Maine summers to Michigan with an almost entirely new menu. “Since we don’t get to go on vacation we thought we’d bring the vacation to us,” laughed Beth Hussey, co-owner along with executive chef Emmele Herrold. “It’s sort of like our menu is taking a vacation.” The new menu will have hot and cold lobster rolls, whole lobster dinners, fried clams, fish and chips, and clam chowder.

Hussey said they are working with a lobsterman in Maine who will be flying in fresh seafood daily. HRD’S interior will no longer have linen napkins but paper towel rolls, and tables covered with red-and-white checkerboard tablecloths. For those not interested in fresh seafood, there will be a few HRD staples still on the menu, like their Token Burger and Georgian Cheese Bread. Hussey said they hope to do this every summer going forward.

A veggie draw If all goes as planned, Chef Brad Greenhill and Philip Kafka, Prince Concepts founder – the duo behind Takoi, 2520 Michigan Avenue, Detroit – will have another restaurant open come September. Magnet, located at 4848 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, in the former home of Magnet Radiator Works – will be vegetable-centric and a kitchen that is 100 percent woodfired. Greenhill said everything will be cooked over wood or using wood as the fuel source, leading to an interesting culinary challenge. “Cooking with fire has always been something I’ve been into but I’ve never really had the opportunity to do it in a commercial space,” he said. As far as the vegetables go, dishes will be seasonal and presented whole – think whole roasted cauliflower and broccoli crowns. “They’re more presented in a way a whole chicken would be presented,” Greenhill said. The interior at Magnet – which will have cocktails but be more wine-focused – will have a simple and minimal feel to correspond and complement the food, and be covered in blue tile with walnut tables. Fear not meat eaters, there are dishes for you too.

Meeting new friends “We’ve been working on it for quite some time and we’re eager to share with the visitors our passion about hospitality and food and beverage,” said Joel Barron, who serves as the bar manager and host of the dining room operations at Friend and Associate. The restaurant, located at 501 Monroe Street, Detroit – has plans to open by the end of July, accompanying a rooftop bar, Delmar Detroit, that opened in June. Replacing Greek restaurant Santorini Estiatorio, Friend and Associate’s menu draws inspiration from all corners of the world and will offer duck fat fried chicken and waffles, english pea pierogi, and barbecue quail, among other selections. There will also be multiple made-to-order cocktails, a few on draft – including their old fashioned – and two bottled options, such as their house martini. Behind the new restaurant are Christopher Johnson of The

Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.375.9200.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine.

6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield

Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.

538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.855.6622.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean.

Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor.

340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381.

248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346.

248.795.2077.

The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday.

Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833 Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S.

Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.625.5660

Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202.

313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner,

daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 438 Selden St, Detroit 48201.

313.315.3992.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216.

313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

Meeting House in Rochester, who partnered with Anthony Mancini of Royal Oak’s Hamlin Corner and Pronto bar, for this latest adventure.

World cuisine “I think at the end of 2019 I’m just going to have a sigh of relief and a sense of accomplishment,” said restaurateur Nya Marshall. She has good reason to, as her first restaurant, Ivy Kitchen and Cocktail, will be open by then, after nearly two years of redevelopment on the 2,000 square foot space. She’s shooting for a late summer opening. Marshall described the new American fusion restaurant – located at 9205 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, in the East Village – as a melting pot, combining Spanish, Italian, Asian and other flavors. Items on the menu range from polenta fries and burgers to Korean style wings, with hopes of bringing healthier options to what she described as a food desert. With cocktails in the name, guests can definitely expect those too, with libations leaning more towards the traditional, like dirty martinis, cosmopolitans, and manhattans, to counter the unique eats.

Batter up Originally planned for summer, foodies will have to wait before they can eat at Michigan & Trumbull’s Corktown restaurant, 1439 W. Elizabeth Street.

Kristen Calverley, who co-owns the Detroit-style pizza place with her husband, Nate Peck, said that construction is a bit behind schedule. Now, they are shooting for a November opening – but Detroiters can try their food before then. They recently got a spot at Fort Street Galley – 160 W. Fort Street, Detroit – where they’ll be through November 3. The duo worked with the Galley Group before in their Pittsburgh location, which closed in early August. “Having the people of Detroit taste the pizza for the first time is going to be really telling to us,” Calverley said. “So, this will either reassure us or make us go back to the drawing board.” Their limited menu – all of which will make its way to the brick-and-mortar, where the menu will expand – includes items like the Bagley Chorizo, which has chorizo, pickled onions, and cilantro ranch; Woodward White, mozzarella, ricotta, red pepper flake, lemon zest, and garlic oil; and two brunch pizzas, a sweet and a savory. They also have a vegan option. Calverley said they will do weekly featured pizzas as well. Michigan & Trumbull takes over the space formerly owned by Allenby, a gourmet sandwich food stall. Allenby is one of two food stalls that have closed since Fort Street Galley opened last year, the other being Pursue, which closed in May. Only two of the original four are still open, Isla and Lucky’s Noble BBQ.

Hawaiian poké arrives So far, so good for first-time restauranteurs Louay Atisha and Dominic Dallo and their new spot, Pokéworks, 716 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy. After noticing Pokéworks – which opened June 8 – while living in Manhattan, Atisha connected with Dallo about opening one up in their home state.

“This was the right opportunity and the right time,” Atisha said. So what makes their poké unique? According to Atisha, it’s their ingredients, they offer lots of different mix-ins and toppings, as well as the quality of their fish. Since poké – which is basically cubed fish over rice – is a Hawaiianinspired dish, it’s only fitting Pokéworks has Hawaiian ingredients, like ogo seaweed. The menu not only has poké bowls but burritos and salads as well.

Brunch anyone?

For those who don’t have time for several courses over multiple hours at Prime & Proper – 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit – here’s a solution – go to their brunch instead, which rolled out in May. Ryan Prentiss, the restaurant’s corporate culinary director, said brunch was always part of the plan since they opened in 2017. “We wanted to be able to showcase all of the different ways we go about steakhouse food and showcase that in a different light,” he said. While there are some dishes from the dinner menu, the rest is full of new items, like an avocado and beet tart, fruit and lebne (fruit and yogurt done in a very Prime and Proper way), New York deli-style churred and smoked latke, and a pastry section. “I almost think I like our brunch food better,” he said. Prentiss also noted that they are looking to execute some changes to their dinner menu in a few months, with changes focused on the sides they offer.

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Fall is the Time for Gathering “Fall is a time for gathering. Be it around a fire, a dinner table or football field, fall has a way of bringing us together to celebrate abundance.” Anonymous 2019 Birmingham House Tour The Community House Foundation will host its 32nd Annual Birmingham House Tour, presented by Hall & Hunter Realtors on Thursday, September 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year’s tour offers seven spectacular private residential homes, in a variety of design styles and architecture. Co-chairs “extraordinaire” for this year’s event are Rose and Brian Bolyard. Sponsors to date include Presenting Sponsor Hall & Hunter Realtors, Gorman’s Furniture, MAISON Birmingham, Bolyard Lumber and Detroit Home Magazine. Tickets are $42 in advance or $49 the day of the Tour.

2019 Movie Marathon at The Palladium Theatre The Community House Foundation will host its second annual Bill Seklar 18-hour Movie Marathon in partnership with the Emagine Palladium in Birmingham from 12:30 p.m. Friday, September 27, until 6 a.m. Saturday, September 28. This unique friend and fundraising event engages movie buffs of all ages via an 18hour movie marathon (if you can stay awake that long!) just like a walkathon, gift pledges will benefit The Community House’s children's programs and services. For accumulative pledges of $100 (or more!) per moviegoer, complimentary all you can eat/drink popcorn and soda, swag bag with goodies, dinner, late night snack and continental breakfast will be included. New this year are two specialty packages you can purchase: The Family Package – Up to two movies, including unlimited soda and popcorn, and dinner for two adults and two children. The Date Night Package – Up to two movies, including unlimited soda and popcorn, and dinner for two adults. For more information or to sign up, visit communityhouse.com.

2019 Oktoberfest – Beer, Burgerz and Bratz The first annual Oktoberfest 2019 will be held at the historic Community House on Friday, September 20 – Oktoberfest 2019 Beer, Burgerz and Bratz will bring together Bell’s Octoberfest craft beer aficionados, Zim’s Vodka and German-inspired cuisine from area restaurants to celebrate Oktoberfest 2019 on The Community House’s beautiful outdoor Terrace (weather permitting) all for the benefit of the 210,000 children and adults served by The Community House. For more information about these and other Community House events, please call 248644-5832 or visit communityhouse.com. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are still available.

2019 Community House Dance Academy’s Fall Open House Come FALL in love with dance at The Community House’s Dance Academy’s Annual Fall Open House. On Saturday, August 17, from 1-3 p.m. join us for sample classes, meet and greet with instructors, raffle giveaways and answers to all your questions. With classes for ages 2+ in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, musical theatre and more, there is something for everyone. Annual registration fees will also be waived for anyone who signs up that day. If you have any further questions, please call 248.644.5832.

2019 Fall Yoga Day Sunday, October 20 – 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.

In partnership with the Yoga Association of Greater Detroit, The Community House is proud to present our Annual Fall Yoga Day on Sunday, October 20. With a variety of sessions running throughout the day, there is something for every level and ability of yoga student, so be sure to join us for a day of enrichment. For more information or to register, please call 248.644.5832 or visit us at communityhouse.com Other Fall Events to Watch 2019 Women of Influence Series – October and November Established in 2017, Women of Influence is an annual event that seeks to recognize and empower women within our Michigan community while providing subject matter that is both relevant to participants and a vital component of our social conversation.

2019 Guest Speakers include: • Amy Good, Chief Executive Officer, Alternatives for Girls • Joumana Kayrouz, Founder & Principal Attorney, Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz • Mimi Brown, President, National Speakers Association of Michigan • Denise Dalrymple, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Southeast Michigan For more information about these events or other experiences at The Community House call 248.644.5832 or visit us online at communityhouse.com William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

BUSINESS MATTERS Furniture quality cabinets If your home is your castle, a little customization is in order. Braam’s Custom Cabinets, 2010 Cole Street, in Birmingham’s Rail District, is a family-owned company of custom manufactured cabinetry, all built specifically to your specifications at their 47,000 square-foot plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. “The cabinets are all furniture quality, ranging from traditional to contemporary, and everything in between,” said Birmingham general manager Anthony Viviano. Viviano explained co-CEOs Peter and Rob Braam established the business 35 years ago, originally as a threeman operation out of the family garage in southwest Ontario.

Today, whether for a kitchen, living or family room, bathroom or closet, every aspect of their cabinetry can be individually selected from a wide range of specialty woods and unlimited finishing options and customized with furniture quality.

Braam’s isn’t new to Birmingham – just to Cole Street – having been located on S. Old Woodward for 24 years. “We moved recently to this new location because it’s an upand-coming area for designers, architects and it’s a great retail area,” Viviano said. “We wanted to be a part of it.” They are available for walk in guests as well as by appointment.

Sweet treats Who doesn’t crave a sundae or banana split every once in a while? Essco Development understands your hankering, and is opening Splitz-n-Blitz at 230 E. Merrill Street in Birmingham in the former Sweet Thing location.

Splitz-n-Blitz is a one-of-a kind banana split, ice cream and dessert concept for dessert lovers of all ages. Look for it to open around August 1.

fitness instructor Sarah Guseilo, who recently had her second daughter, said she had loved having the studio, but being a business owner at this time in her life proved difficult. “I am so thankful for your trust in our studio and team to take care of you and provide you with an exceptional workout. While the studio doors will be closing, I truly hope that the relationships we’ve built with you are just beginning and that friendships will continue well beyond our walls. I firmly believe that community and relationships are the most valuable assets we can walk away from this experience holding onto,” she wrote in an email to announce the closing. The studio closed at the end of June, and Guseilo is considering where she might next teach classes.

Fingers & toes Essential Nail Bar should be ready for an August 1st opening – ideal for summer manis and pedis.

The new nail salon, 254 W. Maple Road in Birmingham, in the former Quatrine furniture location, is owned by Nancy Hanh and will offer manicures, pedicures, shellac, gels and other “essential” nail treatments.

Salon spread George Nikollaj, owner and operator of 6 Salon, 180 S. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, along with Johnny Nikollaj and Tomy Lulgjuraj, are expanding their beauty business – they also have a salon in Royal Oak – to downtown Detroit, opening a 6 Salon at 1441 Woodward Avenue, in Bedrock’s Lofts at Merchant Row building.

Nikollaj said the Detroit location will be a full-service salon, with 18 chairs, two manicure stations, two pedicure chairs, and two makeup stations. A fall opening is planned.

Riding off After a two-and-a half-year run, Core Revolution Studio, 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, a cycling and fitness studio has closed its doors. Studio owner and

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

Helping you finance your happily ever after Whatever your home financing needs may be, I’m here to help you. With access to a broad selection of products and programs, homebuyer resources, and my support, you can feel confident that the home financing you choose will work through years of homeownership.

I look forward to working with you throughout a lifetime of homeownership.

Contact me today.

Jennifer Lewis Home Mortgage Consultant Office: 248-731-0560 Cell: 248-705-1888 jennifer.lewis@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/jennifer-lewis NMLSR ID 982731 Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

NMLSR ID 399801. 0B#(!( &( 4g_XaTb % ! !

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

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OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale Opening Night Party

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For 34 years, the OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale has provided a forum for Michigan artists to show and sell their work. The 2019 event showcased 396 pieces of artwork from 150 artists.

Robert Dempster served as chair and the show was juried by Barbara Heller and Melissa Parks.

Benefactor co-chairs for the Opening Night Party were Julie Dawson and John Hoeffler. Theresa Lannen of Southgate was honored with the top Gold Award. Thirty-five percent of the proceeds from the art sales are used to fund youth programs at The Community House.

1. Mary Dakin and Betsy Laboe of Birmingham. 2. Dave and Kathleen Devereaux of Birmingham. 3. Carol and John Aubrey of Birmingham. 4. Debbie and John Schrot of Birmingham. 5. Brian and Rose Bolyard of Birmingham. 6. Laura Fenton of Bloomfield, Christine Provost of Birmingham, Jo Lincoln of Bloomfield and Veronica Issacs of Bloomfield.

7. Cathy Heller of Beverly Hills and Benefactor co-chair John Hoeffler of Birmingham.

8. Anne and Jim Miller of Birmingham and Liz DuMouchelle of Bloomfield.

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Art of Giving, benefiting The Pink Fund

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Tom Maniaci is the creative force behind Art of Giving. Now in its 10th year, the fundraiser benefited The Pink Fund – which was also the designated charity for Art of Giving’s inaugural year.

The event was held at Vinotecca in Birmingham and featured signature “pink” cocktails, live and silent auctions, a raffle, and fashions by Matt Richmond's Paper Dress Code. A paint-by-number canvas of "Pink Cadillac" songstress Aretha Franklin was auctioned for $1,450. At the end of the evening, over $17,000 was raised for The Pink Fund, which provides financial support to breast cancer patients. 1. Tom Maniaci and Charles Wickins of Birmingham. 2. Molly MacDonald of Beverly Hills, Kristi Rauckis of Sedona and Laurie Tennent of Bloomfield. 3. Jean Steed of Birmingham and Mary Derian of Bloomfield. 4. Sue Schneider and Tom Maniaci of Birmingham.

5. Becky and Richard Sorensen of Bloomfield. 6. Beth LeFevre and Dana Mowat of Bloomfield.

7. Harry Colburn of Bloomfield and Karen Kahn of Farmington Hills. 8. Gianna Borrello of Bloomfield and Adnan Charara of Dearborn.

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Benefactor Bash for DZS

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A Benefactor Bash was held at the home of Suzanne and Sean Werdlow as a precursor to the Detroit Zoological Society’s major fundraising event – Sunset at the Zoo. Approximately 40 guests attended the Bloomfield Hills private affair and were treated to cocktails, strolling appetizers and an exclusive live auction. Detroit Zoological Society CEO and Executive Director Ron Kagan thanked guests and sponsors for their continued support and for building excitement for Sunset at the Zoo, which was held two weeks later. 1. Alli Badgero of Birmingham and Chris Lezotte of Ann Arbor. 2. Hosts Sean and Suzanne Werdlow of Bloomfield. 3. Cheryl Labes of Sylvan Lake, Denise Tobin of Orchard Lake, Suzanne Werdlow of Bloomfield and Jane Alessandrini of Livonia. 4. Bobbi and Stephen Polk of Bloomfield.

5. Peggy Saffer of Bloomfield and Glynda Beeman of Boca Raton, FL. 6. Dr. Michael Schenden of Bloomfield, Judy Smith of Port Huron and Alli Badgero of Birmingham.

7. Marilyn and Ken Way of Bloomfield. 8. Joshua and Natalie Barney of Bloomfield.

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Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Spring into Style Luncheon

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Teri Spiro served as benefit chair and Milene Plisko served as co-chair for the annual Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Spring into Style Luncheon at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. Over 300 supporters attended the event which included a live performance by NUCLASSICA, gourmet lunch, silent auction and fashion show. Sukriti Saxena presented an impactful mission moment and Harriett Fuller, co-founder for the Michigan chapter, honored Connie Colman with the “Uniting to Care & Cure Award.” The event raised over $150,000. 1. Catherine Klein of Bloomfield, Caroline Johnson of Troy, Sue Smith of Bloomfield and Sue Fedorchak of W. Bloomfield. 2. Mary Scharff of Beverly Hills, Laura Burke of Birmingham, Marilee Neff of Bloomfield and Nancy Cash of Bloomfield. 3. Kevin Cristbrook of Bloomfield and Rasha Mansor of Sterling Heights. 4. Glenda Meads of Bloomfield and Julie Smith of Birmingham. 5. Dana Sorensen-Juth of Bloomfield, Mackenzie Kreitz of Beverly Hills and mission speaker Sukriti Saxena of Novi. 6. Katie Coleman of Bloomfield, Jeanne Petzold of Birmingham and Margie Kowal of Birmingham. 7. Chairs Teri Spiro of Bloomfield and Milene Plisko of Livonia.

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GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

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JLB Topgolf Invitational

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Members of the Junior League of Birmingham concluded their year with a fundraiser at Topgolf in Auburn Hills.

League members and guests participated in a six-man best ball tournament, enjoyed an all-American buffet, silent auction and socializing. The event committee included Heather Zane, Sheri Gordon, Kathleen O’Shea and Angela Buccellato. Proceeds from the outing will enable JLB to continue its work to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women, and improve the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.

1. Front row seated: Kellie Aiken of Royal Oak, Annalise McMahan of Bloomfield and Anastasia Collins of Royal Oak. Back row: Allie Wessel of Novi and Nicole Oesterle of Royal Oak. 2. Samantha Sant of Royal Oak, Allie Wessel of Novi and Kellie Aiken of Royal Oak. 3. Melanie Esland of Farmington Hills and Alyce Robelli of Birmingham.

4. Lauren Vanderlist of Berkley and Catherine Reber of Clawson. 5. Eva Barren of Birmingham and Caroline Campbell of W. Bloomfield. 6. Kristen Porchia of Allen Park, Anne Nechal of Ferndale and Allisen Willhoft of Birmingham. 7. Event co-chairs Sheri Gordon of Beverly Hills, Kathleen O’Shea of Clarkston, Angela Buccellato of Royal Oak and Heather Zane of Birmingham. 8. Laura Tomlinson of Beverly Hills and Nikki Bradock of Birmingham.

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South Oakland Shelter (SOS) Rent Party

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The newly merged South Oakland Shelter and Lighthouse of Oakland County presented the annual Rent Party to raise funds for SOS’s vital housing and rental assistance programs. The party was held at the former Kresge estate in Detroit's Arden Park-East Boston Edison District, and was graciously hosted by current homeowner Paddy Lynch. The evening featured live jazz and blues, food and drinks, and VIP tours of the 10,000 square-foot Kresge Mansion, as well as tours of the neighboring Fred Fisher Mansion. Approximately 250 supporters attended the event, which raised $54,000. 1. Anne Harpe of Rochester and Colin Sheedy of Royal Oak. 2. Michael Bermudez of Ferndale, Kelsey Arvai of Detroit, host and homeowner Paddy Lynch of Detroit and Luke Bell of Detroit. 3. Arnie and Carla Vandercruyssen of Rochester Hills.

4. Rachel West of Royal Oak and Todd Szymczak of Rochester Hills. 5. Becky and Richard Sorensen of Bloomfield. 6. Sonja Lengnick and Mark Chutkow of Bloomfield. 7. Laurie and Reggie Taylor of Oakland Twp. 8. Patricia McCann of Livonia and Gail Bentsen of Hazel Park.

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Sheriff PALa Gala

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A sold-out crowd of 400 packed the Treasury in Pontiac for the annual PALa Gala (Police Athletic League). WXYZ TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carolyn Clifford served as Master of Ceremonies while guests enjoyed awards presentation, dinner, dancing and live music. The Sheriff PAL was founded by Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard to help at risk kids have fun, make new friend sand learn new skills, stay healthy, stay focused, support one another and become good citizens. Thanks to generous support from sponsors and supporters, the event netted $125,000. 1. Sheriff Mike Bouchard and Pam Bouchard of Bloomfield. 2. Cindy Leonard of Troy and Hillary Orlowski of Bloomfield.

3. Kiyon and John Wozniak of Macomb and Dr. Gary Warr and Gin Defluri of Bloomfield.

4. Sean Foley of Ann Arbor and Don Smith of Bloomfield. 5. Beth Correa and Elizabeth Ciroli of Birmingham. 6. Jim Ciroli and Rob Correa of Birmingham. 7. Kathy Reason of Bloomfield, Mandy Ford of Bloomfield and Gabrielle Wild of Plymouth. 8. Joy DiCenso of Bloomfield, Dr. Scott and Jill Wilkinson of Birmingham and Greg DiCenso of Bloomfield.

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Beaumont Drive for Life Invitational

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The Drive for Life Invitational took place to support oncology patient programs and services at the Walter & Marilyn Wolpin Comprehensive Breast Care Center at Beaumont, Royal Oak and the Wilson Cancer Resource Center at Beaumont, Troy. The two-venue event offered golf at Oakland Hills Country Club and a competitive bridge and canasta tournament at Bloomfield Hills Country Club. Both events concluded with a dinner at Oakland Hills Country Club. The event also honored Susan E. Cooper, Sylvia & Edward Hagenlocker, and Lauren Kopicky, D.O. The combined tournaments raised $516,145. 1. Stefan Wanczyk of Bloomfield, Ryan Daly of Royal Oak and Dr. Nayana Dekhne of W. Bloomfield. 2. Card cochairs Veronica Isaacs of Bloomfield, Kim Fortin of Birmingham, Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield and Julie Beals of Troy. 3. Ellen Chase of Troy, Jane Osgood of Bloomfield and Susan Withrow of W. Bloomfield.

4. Scott Davis of W. Bloomfield and golf co-chair Ryan Marsh of Bloomfield. 5. Distinguished Leaders of Philanthropy Ed and Sylvia Hagenlocker of Bloomfield. 6. Terry Lang of Birmingham, Jan and Ed Mann of Birmingham. 7. Margaret Casey of Beverly Hills and Distinguished Leader of Philanthropy Susan Cooper of Birmingham. 8. Bob Emde and golf co-chair Chris Emde of Bloomfield.

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Yappy Hour, Michigan Animal Rescue League

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Approximately 550 people, along with their four-legged friends, attended the Michigan Animal Rescue League’s Yappy Hour, which was deemed the only cocktail party in Metro Detroit where your dog is welcome. Held on the grounds of Meadow Brook Hall, the evening included strolling dinner, photo opportunities, silent auction and a Dog Bar stocked with special treats for furry guests. Cara Krupa and Beth Davidson chaired the event which raised closed to $200,000. All proceeds will directly benefit the over 1,500 dogs and cats that MARL cares for each year.

1. Co-chair Beth Davidson of Birmingham with Conno. 2. Beth and Jeff Davidson of Birmingham with Connor. 3. Jody and Gary Astrein of Birmingham with Marshall. 4. Laura Fenton of Bloomfield and Tim Humes of White Lake. 5. Kimberly and Ken Whipple of Bloomfield with CoCo. 6. Dennis Halprin of W. Bloomfield, Mark Freedman of W. Bloomfield and Cindy Kenety of Birmingham. 7. Paula Carnovale of Birmingham, Jo Lincoln of Bloomfield, Veronica Isaacs of Bloomfield and Christine Provost of Birmingham with Lucy. 8. Patty and CJ Ghesquiere with Lacey.

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Sunset at the Zoo

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Shannon and Terry Harvill chaired the annual Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) Sunset at the Zoo. More than 2,200 guests attended the event and approximately 400 attended the VIP Party. Guests were treated to a strolling supper from 45 of the area’s finest restaurants, zoo-themed specialty drinks, live music, dancing under the stars, live and silent auctions, and access to many of the Detroit Zoo’s award-winning animal habitats as the sun went down. This year’s event netted over $575,000 to support the completion of the renovated and expanded Devereaux Tiger Forest.

1. Patricia and Kevin Janeway of Birmingham. 2. Susan Lynch and Thomas Guastello of Bloomfield.

3. Dave and Melanie Palmeri of Bloomfield, Steve and Martha Vannelli of Bloomfield and Rosemary and Dennis Campbell of Grosse Pointe. 4. Melanie and Dave Palmeri of Bloomfield. 5. Martha and Steve Vannelli of Bloomfield. 6. Denise Vidosh of Birmingham and Michael Schenden of Bloomfield.

7. Tom Krikorian of Bloomfield, Paulette Apkarian of W. Bloomfield, Gary Reizian of W. Bloomfield, Debbie Krikorian of Bloomfield, Ed and Janet Mardigian of Bloomfield, Patty and Harry Kezelian of Bloomfield., Cathy and Howard Atesian of Bloomfield. 8. Vicki and Paul Millenbach of Birmingham.

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Ford Fireworks Rooftop Party Produced by the Parade Company

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Two thousand guests attended the Ford Fireworks Rooftop Party which offered the best seats in the city to view the fireworks. Attendees enjoyed live music with Your Generation in Concert, festive food, games, giveaways and more. All proceeds benefited the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade Foundation. The Parade Company, a not-for-profit organization, is celebrating more than 90 years of Parade tradition in Detroit and is committed to funding, creating and executing the best family events in Michigan. 1. Wendy White of Troy, Chip Lee of Bloomfield, Bill White of Troy, Lori Gothard of Birmingham, and Liz Lee of Bloomfield. 2. Valerie Leebove of Bloomfield, Jennifer and Henry Andries of Birmingham. 3. Russ Carniak of W. Bloomfield and Nancy and Patrick Timlin of Bloomfield. 4. Mike Murri of Rochester and Beth Chappell of Bloomfield.

5. Darrin and Will McBride of Birmingham. 6. Debbie and Bob Lewis of Troy, Mark and Lori Gothard of Birmingham. 7. Rachelle Nozero of Novi, Grant Juth and Rebecca Sorensen of Bloomfield. 8. Marlena Soyeaux, Madee McBride and Giuliana Roussey of Birmingham.

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“The Better Together Celebration” commemorated the merger of South Oakland Shelter and Lighthouse. A tented private affair, which was held on the grounds of M1 Concourse in Pontiac, included dinner, music, classic cars and fireworks.

Speakers included Senator Gary Peters; CEO Ryan Hertz; Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner; Development Director Russ Russell; Pontiac City Council President Randy Carter; and State Representative Brenda Carter. Fox 2’s Roop Raj served as emcee. The evening raised more than $45,000 to aid hunger, poverty and homelessness in metro Detroit.

1. Diane Bert of Bloomfield, Kate Bongiorno of Birmingham and Laurie and Daniel Cooper of Beverly Hills. 2. Tom Chapel-Pearch of Bloomfield, Elizabeth and Jim Ciroli of Birmingham, John Chapel-Pearch of Bloomfield, Sonia Plata and Paul Soto of Melvindale. 3. Susan Foley of Birmingham, Colleen Ochoa-Peters of Bloomfield and Richard David of Pontiac. 4. Kellie MacAloon of Bloomfield and Paddy Lynch of Detroit. 5. Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner of Huntington Woods with Levi and Asher. 6. Ryan Hertz of Huntington Woods, Noreen Keating of Bloomfield and Bill Sullivan of Royal Oak. 7. Senator Gary Peters of Bloomfield, Lisa and Hannan Lis of Farmington Hills. 8. Colleen OchoaPeters of Bloomfield, Cynthia von Oeyen of Bloomfield, Lori Oberlin of Clarkston, Noreen Keating of Bloomfield.

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ENDNOTE

SAD necessary tool to preserve services loomfield Township voters on August 6 will be asked whether to support a 2.3-mill tax dedicated to public safety departments in the township through a 15-year special assessment district (SAD) that will generate about $9 million per year. If approved, the township would cease to collect a current general millage of 1.25 mills, resulting in an overall increase of current taxes by 1.05 mills.

One mill is equal to $1 per every $1,000 of a home's taxable value, which is typically half as much as a home's market value. The average taxable value of a home in Bloomfield Township is $215,234 ($430,468 market value), meaning the average homeowner would pay about $226 per year for the SAD. The genesis for the proposed SAD comes from a recent change in state law requiring municipalities to change the way they fund retiree benefits, specifically Other Post Employee Benefits (OPEB), such as health care and life insurance. Those benefits include current retirees who negotiated benefit packages with the township over the past several decades – of which about 70 percent in the township are former police and fire employees. The law, known as Public Act 202 of 2017, requires communities to have at least 40 percent of total OPEB obligations paid in full if the annual payment totals more than 12 percent of the municipality's total revenues.

Prior to the law, all communities could pay OPEB premiums as they came due each year. The previous process wasn't an issue for Bloomfield Township, which has always made annual payments without fail. However, state legislators, pointing to cashstrapped communities that defaulted on promised

B

retiree benefits, decided it's best to protect government employees by upping the equity in those accounts.

For Bloomfield Township, the new law means coughing up $65 million – or 40 percent of the total $164 million OPEB liabilities. While the township has some 30-years to pay down the balance, retiree health care costs alone will total about $2 million per year. Additionally, the township is on the hook for $3.5 million to $4 million a year for its defined benefit plan for active employees and retirees. Again, at least 70 percent of those stem from public safety. In total, the township now faces a "structural" budget deficit of $5 million to $7 million each year, meaning that one-time fixes won't remedy the problem.

The SAD would provide about $1.5 million annually toward OPEB and defined benefit obligations owed to police and fire employees and retirees. Another $500,000 from the general fund would be used to cover the cost of other staff and retirees. Currently, the general fund contributes about $6.6 million to public safety which would be eliminated, because the SAD would cover it.

Despite allegations from a vocal group of naysayers, none of this was the doing of current board members or administrators. The bill has come due from the days of rich benefit packages when, prior to the Headlee Amendment in 1978, Michigan residents saw their home values and property taxes skyrocket year after year. Rather than ask voters for higher millage rates, municipalities across the state offered up retiree benefits in place of wage increases.

With the bill not expected to come due for decades, those retirement packages became the standard for

generations of employees, with Bloomfield Township being no different. Now the piper has to be paid.

Addressing the debt requires a meaningful, longterm solution on the part of the township, which is being done. Nickle-and-dime cuts to the annual budget won't do it, as some folks have suggested. Nor can the township get there by slashing the level of services residents have come to expect.

Such considerations should be taken into account by voters who have been bombarded with misinformation and claims of fiscal irresponsibility made by obstructionists who have opposed the proposed SAD, along with nearly any other action taken by the majority of the township board.

Whether or not the proposed SAD is supported, OPEB and defined benefit obligations must be paid.

That means rejection of the SAD in August will lead to numerous cuts, including the elimination of 10 police officer positions and eight firefighters and paramedics. To keep road patrols at current levels, support for school liaison officers, joint task forces and other assignments would be pulled.

Additional cuts to service would include eliminating $1.4 million from the general fund to the road department, meaning less road maintenance, and the elimination of the township's animal welfare division. Property owners would still pay more each year, as a one-percent administration fee for property taxes would be assessed, on top of cuts to services.

We recommend a YES vote for the SAD. The township has done its due diligence to find a responsible solution, with the state approving their plan. The average cost to homeowners is reasonable to maintain the quality of life for residents.

Support parking bond and city's future irmingham voters on August 6 are being asked to approve a bond proposal in the amount of up to $57.4 million to secure financing for replacement of the N. Old Woodward parking structure and an extension of Bates Street. It's the first phase of the Woodward Bates project, which potentially will add a public plaza, a bridge to Booth Park, a five-story building fronting Old Woodward to become an RH (Restoration Hardware) Gallery store with rooftop restaurant, a residential and commercial building on Willits Street, and a residential building along the rear of the four-acre parcel as part of a public-private partnership.

There is no cost to residents if the bonds are approved – i.e. no taxes – but state law requires all municipalities to obtain approval of its residents when going for a general obligation bond because the full faith and credit of the community is being pledged. The bonds will be paid off with revenues from the city's parking system, the same system followed successfully in the past by the city with all other parking structures.

Birmingham has a AAA rating from both Standard & Poor's and Moody's, and over 90 percent of its bonding capacity available, a strong financial position thanks to decades of solid management.

The idea for the Woodward Bates project has been germinating for 20 years since urban designer Andres Duany first proposed it as part of Birmingham's 2016 Plan, which has been faithfully followed since its inception. At a recent conceptual meeting for the city's

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new city-wide master plan, which Duany and his company (DPZ) are doing, he reaffirmed his commitment to the concept and to this project, which is being developed by Woodward Bates Partners, LLC, comprising Victor Saroki of Saroki Architecture in Birmingham; Paul Robertson of Robertson Brothers Homes in Bloomfield Hills; John Rakolta Jr., of Walbridge in Detroit, and Ron Boji of The Boji Group in Lansing.

The city's primary goal is to help alleviate a significant parking shortage in Birmingham. The old, decaying structure has outlived its lifespan and we don't need to educate readers about the problem with parking, which has been under study by officials and outside experts for several years. Currently, between the N. Old Woodward structure and adjacent surface lot, there are 745 parking spaces. The new structure will provide the city with 1,157 spaces. Concerns that all of the new spaces will be consumed by tenants in the new buildings are unfounded, as one building is all residential, which will have its own parking on site, and another is at least partially residential and will also provide self-contained parking.

Birmingham is proactively working on parking mitigation plans for current users of the N. Old Woodward garage for the approximate two years of demolition and reconstruction. There will be additional valets, shuttle services with established companies to off-site locations and a number of other options now being refined.

This is a vote on a necessary parking bond but the opportunity to breathe life into an underutilized parcel is icing on the cake, as city-owned land will be leased to the development group on a long-term basis, generating new property taxes. Equally important, Birmingham – often ranked nationally as one of the more successful small towns – must continue to maintain its health and standing in the region which can be easily lost to neighboring communities that have started to mimic the model created here.

Voters should be aware that the other finalist who had a proposal under consideration but was not chosen has gone to court. Watch out for the campaign against the ballot issue from acolytes of this person and others dispensing inaccurate information to befuddle residents in hopes of defeating this project.

Birmingham is putting the bond question on the August ballot, rather than waiting for November's general election, because parking is at a crisis state, and time and cost increases are critical concerns. The development group is contributing to defray election costs – not unusual in these situations. Construction, design and engineering must be locked in immediately in order to begin – and finish – as soon as possible. This is an exciting time for the city with the proposal for a new parking deck and surrounding multi-use development. Voters must say YES to help Birmingham move forward.

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Frank Flynn Associate Broker jflynn@hallandhunter.com | 248.835.4222 | fflynn@hallandhunter.com

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009 Photography by Tom Drew